Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor has welcomed over $1.2 million in funding for Upper Lachlan Shire Council as part of the Federal Government’s $1.8 billion boost for local government road and community projects. 

The $1,203,048 investment for Upper Lachlan 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 Upper Lachlan 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 Upper Lachlan Council to make sure projects get under way to support jobs and businesses as soon as possible.” 

Mayor of Upper Lachlan Shire Council, John Stafford has welcomed the additional funding announcement.

“The Minister could not be more correct when saying every single local job makes a difference. This Shire has been through some very tough times of late. I am sure I speak for every member of the community in congratulating the Federal Government, and Angus in particular, for this initiative and funding support,” Mayor Stafford 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.