JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
Singleton Council is set to benefit from a nearly $3 million Federal Government investment for priority projects, supporting local jobs and businesses to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The projects are made possible through the Liberal and Nationals Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program which is designed so councils can get started on their shovel ready projects.
Senator for New South Wales, Perin Davey, said the funding reflects Singleton’s top priorities and will ensure the needs of our local communities are met.
Senator Davey said there are currently 10 projects being delivered in the Singleton local government area through the Program including the Singleton ruby league clubhouse development, OOSH outdoor area upgrades, amenities at the Singleton track and field club, and more.
“With the challenges presented by COVID-19, bushfires, floods and other events, the past couple of years have been tough for communities, businesses and local councils,” Senator Davey said.
“That’s why we have moved quickly to approve funding for priority projects across the Hunter paving the way for shovels to hit the dirt to make them a reality.
“This will provide a vital boost for our local communities, backing local jobs and economic growth while delivering lasting upgrades that will benefit residents for years to come.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the newly increased funding of $500 million for the extension to Phase 3 will flow through the LRCI Program to local councils across Australia to improve their local road networks and deliver priority community infrastructure projects.
“This builds on the $1.7 billion already approved to deliver more than 7,400 projects nationwide under the first three phases of the program,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“This program is having a significant impact across the country, with more than 6,400 projects already complete or under construction – delivering upgrades to local roads, bike paths, community halls, playgrounds, parks and sports facilities, as well as improved accessibility to public facilities.
“The $500 million Phase 3 Extension will build on this, delivering more jobs, more economic stimulus, and more of the local priority projects that communities need and deserve.”
Assistant Minister for Local Government Kevin Hogan said the program forms part of the Liberal and Nationals unwavering commitment to back local councils and their communities through COVID-19 and secure a stronger future out the other side of the pandemic.
“We want to deliver the best outcomes for locals under this program, which is why we have listened and acted on council feedback, providing a longer delivery window for local governments to pursue larger, more complex projects that may be a higher priority and have a bigger impact on the community,” Assistant Minister Hogan said.
“We also get councils to use local businesses and workforces to deliver these projects as much as possible, ensuring this stimulus flows directly into the hands of hard-working Aussies, their families, their businesses and their communities.
“I look forward to seeing more projects get underway and supporting jobs and communities at this critical time.”
Councils will be able to access funding through the LRCI Phase 3 Extension from July 2023.
For more information on the $3 billion LRCI Program, including the allocations for the $500 million Phase 3 Extension, visit https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/local-roads-and-community-infrastructure/.
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