Words by Kylie Knight
Moreton Bay Region has scored a $5 million boost for roads and community projects thanks to the Federal Government’s Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program.
The investment is part of a $1.8 billion national funding announcement and will support local jobs and businesses and boost local economies struggling as a result of COVID-19.
Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth says the package includes establishing a new $500 million Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program and bringing forward $1.3 billion of the 2020-21 Financial Assistance Grant payment.
The new program is based on the successful Roads to Recovery program and will enable local councils to deliver priority projects with a focus on upgrades and maintenance to local roads and community infrastructure.
Why this is important
Mr Howarth says accelerating local infrastructure projects supports jobs and the local economy.
“Every single job we support makes a huge difference in our local communities, now and as we navigate out of the coronavirus pandemic,” Mr Howarth says.
“Not only will this package support jobs, construction businesses and the economy across the Petrie electorate, it will improve our local roads and provide for new and upgraded amenities to help communities stay connected.
“I will be working closely with Moreton Bay Regional Council to make sure projects get underway to support jobs and businesses as soon as possible.”
Mayor Peter Flannery says it’s a welcome investment in local jobs.
“The speed with which the Prime Minister has got this funding out is remarkable considering the health challenges the nation faces right now,” Mayor Flannery says.
How the money will be spent
“We’ll be able to use this money on a range of projects across the region like road resurfacing, upgrading parks, play equipment and bike paths. These might seem like smaller scale projects, but they have larger employment benefits,” Mayor Flannery says.
“This $5 million will mean ongoing work for contractors and workers, enabling council to keep contracts flowing to local businesses who keep local people employed. I want to thank the Federal Government for that support.”
For more news and updates, head to our blog.
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