A significant investment package sees the 2021-22 Budget continue to build a strong regional Australia through extensions to community grants programs that invest directly in economic and social infrastructure.
Member for Barker Tony Pasin said the Australian Government is committed to creating jobs and building stronger regional communities in Barker.
BUILDING BETTER REGIONS FUND
In the 2021-22 Budget the Australian Government announced a further $250 million towards a sixth round of the Building Better Regions Fund, bringing the total commitment for this program to $1.29 billion from 2017-18 to 2024-25.
Mr Pasin said the Building Better Regions Fund supports regional and remote communities by funding shovel-ready infrastructure projects which will create jobs and drive economic growth.
“Building Better Regions Fund also funds new or expanded events, strategic regional plans, or leadership and capability strengthening activities which provide economic and social benefits to these regions. Local governments and incorporated not-for-profit organisations are eligible.” Mr Pasin said.
“In Barker, the first four rounds of Building Better Regions Fund has resulted in 42 projects being allocated funding of $23.6 million.” Mr Pasin said.
“We are building stronger and more resilient communities, as well as helping to create local jobs, by investing in projects across Barker helping to drive our regional economy.” Mr Pasin said.
REBUILDING REGIONAL COMMUNITIES PROGRAM
The Australian Government will also provide more than $5.7 million of grant funding in the 2021-22 Budget to deliver a new Rebuilding Regional Communities Program in partnership with the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal.
“This program will provide micro-grants to grassroots community organisations to assist communities in their recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Pasin said.
“Community groups play a critical role in supporting and sustaining local regional communities and these grants will help local groups restart activities and avoid lasting loss to the social fabric of regional towns.” Mr Pasin said.
STRONGER COMMUNITIES PROGRAM
The Australian Government is providing a further $22.7 million in the 2021-22 Budget to deliver a seventh round of the Stronger Communities Programme.
Mr Pasin said $150,000 is available to fund local community infrastructure projects across the electorate of Barker.
“These investments in critical local infrastructure for the people of Barker are the sort of projects that bring our communities together, strengthen social connections, build community participation and create vibrant and viable communities into the future,” Mr Pasin said.
Organisations and local governments are eligible to apply for grants of between $2,500 and $20,000.
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN SUPPLEMENTARY ROAD PROGRAM
Another key initiative which will place communities in Barker at the centre is the continuation of funding for the South Australian Supplementary Road Program providing a further $40 million over two years to facilitate South Australian strategic road maintenance projects and improved road safety outcomes.
“The Morrison Government is securing Australia’s recovery with a record investment in infrastructure as part of the 2021-22 Budget, which will support and secure jobs, drive growth and help rebuild Australia’s economy from the COVID-19 pandemic.” Mr Pasin said.
For more information on regional investments in the 2021-22 Federal Budget, visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/department/statements/index.aspx.
Ends.
