Northern Grampians Shire Council has secured more than $4 million in Federal Government road and infrastructure funding through a combination of successful funding applications and COVID-19 stimulus.
Council has received $3,396,363 in funding through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) fund and $696,000 through the Heavy Vehicles Safety and Productivity Program (HSVPP): a grand total of $4,092,363.
Through the LRCI Program, Council has received $1,857,984 and will receive a further $1,538,379 under the LRCI Program Extension.
The funding has been applied to projects across the shire such as Stawell's Central Park perimeter fencing, Halls Gap Heath Street upgrades and in St Arnaud, a new road at Lord Nelson Park and all-ability, social and sensory improvements for the play areas at Market Square.
Council also applied for funding through the HVSPP and three applications were successful. Each of these projects have council co-contributions.
The projects jointly funded by the HVSPP and council will see major road and infrastructure improvements for St Arnaud and Campbells Bridge.
Wedderburn Road in St Arnaud East will be upgraded thanks to a $150,000 grant. The total project cost is $300,000 and will be used to widen and reseal the route.
Queens Avenue and Millett Street Intersection will be rehabilitated in St Arnaud with a $170,000 co-contribution for the $340,000 project. The funding for these intersections will be used for new road surfacing and widening, and construction of a footpath.
Campbells Bridge Road in Campbells Bridge will benefit from $376,000 co-contribution for the $752,000 project. Safety and productivity on this route will be greatly improved with road widening, sealing and upgrading.
Northern Grampians Shire Council CEO, Liana Thompson, is very appreciative of the generous funding.
"We are very grateful for this funding from the Federal Government which will have far reaching benefits to our shire," she said.
"It will help shape significant improvements in roads and community infrastructure.
"Shire residents will be delighted with the new fencing, car parking and many stretches of walkway and play areas.
"Both local and visiting road users will benefit from the improved road safety and more efficient travel through our region.
"It is absolutely marvellous to have this level of financial support from the Federal Government for important shire projects and the improvements will, no doubt, be highly valued by our community."
