The Limestone Coast is missing out on accessing support from $4 billion in regional funding as the Albanese Government is failing to deliver promised community programs.

 

Member for Barker Tony Pasin MP said economic development opportunities are being left untapped in Barker communities and councils are being left to watch project costs blowout with inflation while Labor dithers and delays the opening regional grant programs.

 

“Community and regional grant programs have entered a funding black hole since Labor was elected to Federal Government in May last year,” Mr Pasin said.

 

“The Albanese Government seems to be stalling the rolling out of regional funding programs and it means that projects like the Mount Gambier Saleyards are not being progressed,” Mr Pasin said.

 

“Projects like the Mount Gambier and Districts Saleyards Transformation are vitally important to the region. The benefits that the planned upgrades would bring to the local livestock industry and the local economy are immense,” Mr Pasin said.

 

“The State Government seems to understand this because both the Labor and Liberal Parties committed to project prior to the State election. Unfortunately, Clare Scriven hasn’t been able to convince her federal colleagues of the same and the whole project is now in limbo,” Mr Pasin said.

 

An application to Round 6 of Coalition Government’s Building Better Regions Fund had been submitted by the District Council of Grant requesting Federal Government investment into the $11 million Mount Gambier and Districts Saleyards Transformation Project 12 months ago.

 

“The project needs Federal Government funding to progress and it’s incredibly disappointing that not only did the Albanese Labor Government pull the rug out from under proponents by cancelling of BBRF Round 6, they also refuse to progress other regional funding programs,” Mr Pasin said.

 

“It’s been almost 12 months since the Albanese Government was elected and they need to get their act together and released funding guidelines and timelines, to enable the District Council of Grant to get on with this project.”

 

“The Coalition understands the importance of supporting regions and community organisations which is why we invested so heavily in infrastructure, facilities and programs to enrich community spirit and drive opportunities,” Mr Pasin said.

 

“Regional communities cannot afford to wait indefinitely while Labor works out how it wants to deliver regional funding initiatives,” Mr Pasin said.

 

Media Contact: Charlotte Edmunds 8724 7730