20 Nov 2008
The Federal Government has committed $300 million to build local community infrastructure.
The new program is designed to achieve two outcomes – to support local communities through funding local infrastructure but also importantly as part of the Government’s commitment to keeping the economy ticking. Projects that can be commenced quickly within communities will help keep people in jobs and the cash circulating.
The money will be available under two parts – one of $250 million with each council receiving a minimum $100,000 and a second component of $50 million for larger scale projects.
Some Councils will of course receive more than $100,000 as the funding will be based on population growth and needs.
There are of course conditions attached:
- the money is to be spent quickly by 30 June 2009;
- funding is for things such as community centres, parks and libraries as well as sport and recreation, tourism and access facilities;
- it is not available for roads as these are funded separately through Roads to Recovery.
CCF has welcomed the announcement however we have also pointed out that how councils actually roll out the projects will be critical. We want to see a number of small and medium contracts available as soon as possible. We will also be watching closely to make sure that the funding doesn’t get tied up in red tape.
Click Here to view the CCF Press Release