JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
Local Governments in the Hunter region can continue to deliver priority projects after receiving the third 2021-22 quarterly payment of the Federal Government’s Financial Assistance Grant program.
Senator for New South Wales Perin Davey said the funding is untied, allowing Councils to spend the grant according to their own local needs.
“Local Governments are vital to building safer, stronger and more vibrant communities,” Senator Davey said.
“As the people on the ground, they know what is needed and what will deliver the best outcomes.”
“They are an important delivery partner for the Federal Government’s economic stimulus packages and play a critical role in our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Councils in Hunter have received the following quarterly payment:
Assistant Minister for Local Government Kevin Hogan said a total of $2.7 billion in untied Federal funding was allocated for local governments in 2021–22.
“The Federal Government prepaid around half of the allocated funding in June 2021, the remainder will be paid through these quarterly payments across the year,” Mr Hogan said.
“We know the early payment is a valued support to councils, particularly in regions that have faced the combined impacts of bushfire, drought, floods and COVID-19.”
“Across the nation, local governments employ around 194,000 people and deliver a wide range of services in the cities, regional towns and remote areas of Australia. This support will continue to bolster Australia’s economic recovery.”
Since 1974–75, the Australian Government has provided local governments with almost $60 billion in untied funding through the Financial Assistance Grants program.
For more information, visit https://www.regional.gov.au/local/assistance/index.aspx
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