BUDGET 2020: FUNDING FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT

The Federal Budget has set aside an additional $1 billion to flow through local councils, delivering priorities and creating jobs in local areas as part of Australia’s road to recovery through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program.

This builds on the existing $500 million commitment made in May for LRCI which has already seen more than 1,800 projects approved for funding nation-wide.

Member for Barker Tony Pasin said councils in Barker received over $8.7 million back in May under the initial $500 million Federal Government commitment. The additional $1 billion announced in the Federal Budget means more than $19.3 million is being injected into the Barker economy through councils to improve local roads and infrastructure.

“Nationally, local governments employ around 194,000 people and deliver a wide range of services in the cities, regional towns and remote areas of Australia – that’s why we’re backing local government to help in our economic recovery,” Mr Pasin said.

“Our community-led recovery plan empowers local governments to deliver roads and community infrastructure through investment in shovel-ready projects.”

“By investing this extra $1 billion in local priorities under the LRCI Program, we are helping to deliver thousands of local jobs and supporting local businesses.”

“I look forward to seeing the projects roll out across Barker that will be delivered by local councils using this additional funding. Not only will this deliver improved infrastructure for the local community but increased employment too,” Mr Pasin said.

Mr Pasin said an extra $400 million of funding will also support the extension of the Roads to Recovery Program and this year’s allocation of $2.6 billion is the highest ever under the Financial Assistance Grant program. Barker’s councils are also encouraged to take advantage of the Coalition’s $200 million injection into the highly successful Building Better Regions Fund.

Funding for local councils in Barker: