Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor has welcomed over $1.7 million in funding for Hilltops Council as part of the Federal Government’s $1.8 billion boost for local government road and community projects. 

The $1,770,968 investment for Hilltops will support local jobs and businesses and provide a boost to the local economy.

Mr Taylor said the package included the establishment of a new $500 million Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program and the bringing forward of $1.3 billion of the 2020-21 Financial Assistance Grant payment.

The new Program is based on the successful Roads to Recovery program and will enable local councils to deliver priority projects with a focus on upgrades and maintenance to local roads and community infrastructure.

Mr Taylor said accelerating local infrastructure projects was important for supporting jobs and the local economy in the Hilltops region at this time.

“Every single job we support makes a huge difference in our local community, now and as we navigate out of the coronavirus pandemic,” Mr Taylor said.

“I will be working closely with Hilltops Council to make sure projects get under way to support jobs and businesses as soon as possible.” 

Mayor of Hilltops Council, Brian Ingram has welcomed the additional funding announcement.

“This is very pleasing and welcomed news. We have a number of priority projects that this funding will enable us to start. Thank you to the Federal Government for their initiative and support of local government during this difficult and unprecedented time. There is no doubt that kick starting local infrastructure projects will stimulate the economy and play a major part in getting regional communities back on their feet,” Mayor Ingram said.

Local road projects to be delivered under the Program include but are not limited to constructing or improving bridges and tunnels, street lighting, and heavy vehicle facilities such as rest areas.

A broad range of community infrastructure projects will be eligible including new or upgraded bicycle and walking paths, community facilities, and picnic shelters and barbeque facilities at parks.

Guidelines for the Program will be provided directly to local governments by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications.

Allocations under the Financial Assistance Grant and Local Road and Community Infrastructure programs can be found at https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/lrci.