Councils in Forde will be supported as part of the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government’s $1.8 billion boost for road and community projects through local governments across Australia.
The investment will support local jobs and businesses and boost local economies struggling under the effects of COVID-19.
Federal Member for Forde Bert van Manen said the package included the establishment of a new $500 million Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program and the bringing forward of $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.
Mr van Manen said accelerating local infrastructure projects was important for supporting jobs and the local economy in Logan and the Northern Gold Coast.
“Residents have been doing it incredibly tough recently and this funding boost will kickstart the local economy while improving community infrastructure and employ more locals.”
“Every single job we support makes a huge difference in our local communities, now and as we navigate out of the coronavirus pandemic,” Mr van Manen said.
“Not only will this package support jobs, construction businesses and the economy across Forde, it will improve our local roads and provide for new and upgraded amenities to help communities stay connected.
“I will be working closely with Logan and Gold Coast City Councils to make sure projects get under way to support jobs and businesses as soon as possible.”
Queensland Senator Amanda Stoker said the funding boost is a major win for Logan and the Northern Gold Coast.
“Logan and the Gold Coast are experiencing tremendous population growth and today’s announcement will allow those councils to meet the demands of a growing community.” Senator Stoker said.
Under the Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program Logan City Council will receive $3,487,130 and Gold Coast City Council $5,919,014
Local road projects to be delivered under the Program include but are not limited to constructing or improving bridges and tunnels, street lighting, and heavy vehicle facilities such as rest areas.
A broad range of community infrastructure projects will be eligible including new or upgraded bicycle and walking paths, community facilities, and picnic shelters and barbeque facilities at parks.
Under the Financial Assistance Grant program the following additional funding allocations have been brought forward from the 2020-21 Financial Assistance Grant payment:
• $6,233,358 for Logan City Council
• $10,941,223 for Gold Coast City Council
Guidelines for the Program will be provided directly to local governments by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications.
Allocations under the Financial Assistance Grant and Local Road and Community Infrastructure programs can be found at https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/lrci.
