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

The $872,871 investment for Wollondilly 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 Wollondilly 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 Wollondilly Council to make sure projects get under way to support jobs and businesses as soon as possible.” 

Wollondilly Mayor, Matthew Deeth said, “On behalf of the community, I want to thank the Australian Government and The Hon. Angus Taylor MP for this funding which will allow us to bring forward priority projects for the community”. 

“Local councils are best placed to lead local economic recovery and we’ll be working hard to make sure this funding will be used to help our community get back on its feet as soon as possible.”

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.