The funding is designed to support local jobs and businesses to boost the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie said getting shovels in the ground on local construction projects was important for maintaining jobs and economic growth in north-east Victoria.
“Every single job we support makes a huge difference in our local community here in regional Victoria, now and as we build our way out of this pandemic,” Senator McKenzie said.
“That’s why we have moved quickly to approve more than $810,000 in funding to flow to these projects which will see road maintenance, drainage, cycling and walking path, sporting and recreation facility and community facility works undertaken.
“Not only will this program support jobs, construction businesses and economic growth across Alpine Shire, it will also improve road safety and bolster the resilience of our local road networks, helping Australians get home sooner and safer.
“We will work closely with Alpine Shire Council to ensure these local projects get under way and start supporting jobs and businesses as soon as possible.”
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce said more than 5800 projects had already been approved under the program with about $835 million paid to councils across Australia.
“This funding will result in some much-wanted facilities and infrastructure in our community, which will have flow-on effects for local companies and suppliers,” Mr Joyce said.
“We know how important our support is to communities who have faced the combined effects of drought, bushfires and COVID-19, which is why the construction of new infrastructure will help support the community recover from their economic hardships.
“These projects are driving new money back into the local economy in regional Victoria and creating jobs at a time when we need it most – it’s a real win-win.”
In June 2021, the Federal Government also pre-paid $1.3 billion of this year’s Financial Assistance Grant to provide untied funding for all local councils across Australia to spend on local priorities.
More information on the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program is available at investment.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure_investment/local-roads-community-infrastructure-program
