The Federal Liberal and Nationals Government has approved funding for 11 projects as part of its $2.5 billion Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, which is supporting local jobs, businesses and boosting the economy during COVID-19.
Federal Member for Monash Russell Broadbent said getting shovels in the ground on local construction projects was important for maintaining jobs and economic growth in Monash.
“Every single job we support makes a huge difference in our local community, now and as we build our way out of the pandemic,” Mr Broadbent said.
“That is why we have moved quickly to approve funding to flow to 11 projects.
“Not only will this program support jobs, construction businesses and economic growth across Monash, it will also improve road safety and bolster the resilience of our local road networks, helping Australians get home sooner and safer.
“We will work closely with our local councils in Monash to ensure local projects get underway and start supporting jobs and businesses as soon as possible.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said over 5,800 projects have already been approved under the program with around $835 million paid to councils across Australia.
“This funding will result in some much wanted facilities and infrastructure in our community, which will have flow-on effects for local companies and suppliers,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“We know how important our support is to communities who have faced the combined effects of drought, bushfires and COVID-19, which is why the construction of new infrastructure will help support the community recover from their economic hardships.
“These projects are driving new money back into the local economy in Gippsland and creating jobs at a time when we need it most – it’s a real win-win.”
In June 2021, the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government also pre-paid $1.3 billion of this year’s Financial Assistance Grant to provide untied funding for all local councils across Australia to spend on local priorities.
More information on the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program is available at infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure_investment/local-roads-community-infrastructure-program.
