Senate delivers infrastructure funding for councils
February 13, 2009
Australian Local Government Association President, Cr Geoff Lake, today welcomed the passing by the Senate of the local government components of the Rudd Government's fiscal stimulus package.
"Councils around Australia are delighted that funds will now flow to local communities across Australia for essential projects such as libraries, civic spaces and sporting facilities," Cr Lake said.
"It is particularly pleasing that the money initially proposed for spending at the local level has been expanded following negotiations between the Government and cross-bench senators."
The final package also includes changes which allow councils to submit new projects for the expanded strategic projects component of the Local Community Infrastructure fund (from $50m to $550m).
"Councils welcome the decision by the Government to reopen applications. This move will allow councils which did not apply under the original $50 million fund to now apply for the expanded $550 million program.
"We congratulate the Government for responding to the feedback received from local government and we also thank Senator Bob Brown for advocating for this change.
Other amendments relevant to local government include emergency funding for bioremediation of the Lower Lakes region of the Murray-Darling Basin, $60 million for heritage infrastructure available to councils and community organisations, and an extra $40 million for green infrastructure projects such as cycle paths.
Cr Lake wrote to cross-bench Senators earlier this week urging them to support the local government components of the package.
"I am pleased that each of the cross-bench senators decided to support the local government elements of the package. The Senators are aware that this money is critically needed and keenly supported by councils and local communities across the country."
At last week's COAG meeting on 5 February 2009, Cr Lake agreed with all State and Territory leaders that the additional stimulus needs to flow quickly into aggregate demand through rapid implementation of the package. "I assured the Prime Minister and state and territory leaders that local councils stand ready and eager to play their part in the quick roll out of the package," Cr Lake said.
- Contact
- Cr Geoff Lake, ALGA President - 0411 645 281
- Amanda Lynch, Director, Public Affairs - 0419 123 862 / 02 6122 9434
