The Murraylands community 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 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, 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 Murray Bridge Regional Stadium are not being progressed,” Mr Pasin said.
In 2021, the project, being led by the Rural City of Murray Bridge received $1.9 million in Federal Funding from Round 5 of the Coalition Government’s Building Better Regional Fund (BBRF).
Mr Pasin and the Coalition pledged a further $3 million for Stage 2 if re-elected to Government last year.
“I’m extremely supportive of this project because I know the economic benefits that will come with a new Regional Stadium for the Murraylands. An additional 660 sports visitors to Murray Bridge each month are expected through regional competitions and tournaments at an upgraded facility, injecting $1.4 million into the local economy.
“The project would make the Murraylands an even better place to live, work and raise a family and encourage more people to come and call the region home helping to fill workforce shortages, bringing further economic benefits,” Mr Pasin said.
An application to Round 6 of BBRF had been submitted by the RCMB for Stage 2 of the Regional Stadium project and was pending when the Labor Government scrapped the Coalition initiative.
“The project needs Government funding to progress and it’s incredibly disappointing that not only did the Albanese Labor Government pull the rug out from under proponents in terms of BBRF round 6, but they 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, enabling the Rural City of Murray Bridge and the Murray Bridge Basketball Association 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
