The 2021–22 Federal Budget delivers substantial support to assist the Moreton Bay region to boost Australia’s economic recovery thanks to an additional $1 billion through Phase 3 of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program.
Federal Member for Longman Terry Young said Moreton Bay Regional Council would receive $10 million in Phase 3 to support local community projects.
This is in addition to more than $20 million delivered to the council in Phases 1 and 2 of the program.
“This Budget injection for our hard-working local councils means even more funding for upgrades to local roads, bike paths, community halls, playgrounds, parks and sports facilities, as well as improved accessibility to public facilities,” Mr Young said.
“Providing more time for planning and construction will enable local governments to consider a broader range of priority projects and potentially undertake larger, more complex developments to deliver even great benefits for their communities.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the new investment brings the total Australian Government commitment to the strongly supported and highly successful LRCI Program to $2.5 billion.
“This is fantastic news for local councils across Australia, who will be able to access additional funding to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“This is all about supporting the resilience of local economies by delivering even more jobs to help communities bounce back from COVID-19, with the additional funding and a longer delivery window to provide greater flexibility for communities to address local priorities.”
Minister for Local Government Mark Coulton said Local councils have so far nominated more than 5,500 projects over the first two phases of the LRCI Program, with construction on the first 2,900 projects due to be completed by 30 June 2021.
“The Liberal and Nationals Government understands that local governments play a critical role in delivering vital services and ensuring the quality of life for the communities they serve,” Minister Coulton said.
“I have been especially delighted to see how, over recent months, LRCI Program funding has enabled councils to support local communities to bounce back from the impacts of COVID-19 – and Phase 3 will further assist our local communities in emerging from the pandemic stronger and more resilient.
“LRCI Phase 3 is expected to support an estimated 3,500 jobs over the life of the projects across the nation, particularly where employment in other sectors such as tourism been negatively impacted.”
Councils will be able to access funding through LRCI Phase 3 from 1 January 2022, with Phase 3 projects to be completed by 30 June 2023.
For more information, visit the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications website.