Councils getting on with the job of delivering key stimulus projects
June 01, 2009
More than 3,300 projects across Australia are currently being rolled out by Australia's 562 councils under the $800 million Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program, a key part of the Rudd Government's economic stimulus packages. Councils are also involved in a range of other stimulus measures such as road black spot funding and job creation initiatives.
The President of the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), Cr Geoff Lake said, "Construction has started on many of these projects and we are already seeing real outcomes on the ground in local communities in terms of job creation, stimulating local demand and delivering valuable infrastructure.
"One of the best aspects of this funding is that the Rudd Government has put its faith in councils to identify their own priority projects for funding. Importantly, it is local communities rather than Canberra bureaucrats who have developed these projects and therefore they reflect localised needs and priorities.
"A report ALGA commissioned by PriceWaterhouseCoopers in 2006 found that councils across the country were struggling to maintain vital community infrastructure. At the same time as providing important economic stimulus, this $800 million program is providing a critical helping hand to councils meet some of these growing demands.
"Economic stimulus may only be a temporary economic measure, however the long term benefits which flow from these projects will last many generations", Cr Lake said.
The Community Infrastructure Program has two components:
- $250 million allocated between all councils and shires proportionally on the basis of population; and
- $550 million for larger-scale strategic projects allocated on a competitive basis.
The program funds councils to build and renew local infrastructure such as community centres, town halls, parks and playgrounds, pools and sporting facilities. A list of the projects which have been funded is available at www.alga.asn.au/policy/regdev/reginf/
- Contact
- Cr Geoff Lake, ALGA President 0411 645 281
- Amanda Lynch, Director, Public Affairs - 0419 123 862 / 02 6122 9434
