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

The $874,692 investment for Camden 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 Camden 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 Camden Council to make sure projects get under way to support jobs and businesses as soon as possible.” 

Mayor of Camden, Cr Theresa Fedeli, said the relief was invaluable. 

“The situation surrounding COVID-19 is unprecedented and has been developing rapidly. Everyone has been affected in one way or another,” Cr Fedeli said. 

“We know the relief that funding provides is so important, which is why Council released its three-stage, $16.8 million relief package a few weeks ago. We’re all working to the same goal and that’s helping our residents and local businesses who are suffering the shock of this pandemic.

“I’d like to thank Angus Taylor MP as well as the Australian Government - we’re incredibly grateful for the extra boost.”

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.