Local MP Sussan Ley has revealed a commitment of over $32 million in funding to boost infrastructure spending budgets in every local government area of Farrer.
According to Ms Ley, Anthony Albanese dumped a hugely popular funding stream for our councils in the recent Federal Budget.
“Today I can announce a return of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCI) if we’re elected next month.
“This will see more than a million dollars sent to each Farrer LGA*, allowing them to prioritise and deliver critical localised infrastructure and road upgrades specific to what our communities need right now.
Our local mayors and general managers have essentially been forced to ‘cry poor’ for the last three years, as spending from Canberra dried up or was diverted elsewhere.
This is placing enormous pressure on council costs and funding reserves or is passed on to local ratepayers through rate rises.
Where there are minor roads which need fixing, this is the funding they have been asking for. Other spends could be on a new footpath or wheelchair access, a playground update, toilet facilities or wheelchair access. Every council can choose how and where they spend the funding” Ms Ley said.
Ensuring country communities have the essential services they need is all part of our plan to grow a stronger regional Australia and get the country back on track.
More information
LRCI funding will be delivered from 2025-26, on the election of a Coalition Government. Individual allocations for each Farrer LGA are listed below*.
This LRCI funding will be split into two dedicated funding streams, each worth $500 million. #1 Resilience and Community Infrastructure; To help strengthen communities against natural disasters and fund essential infrastructure & #2 Roads; targeted to regional councils to fix potholes, maintain and improve local roads.
This investment to fix roads and upgrade local infrastructure complements our plans for a:
A $20 billion Regional Australia Future Fund which will return a fair share to tackle the immediate challenges holding back regional communities; a $600 million Ag and Mining Roads program; Delivering essential water infrastructure investments; and restoring an 80 per cent funding policy for nationally significant road projects in regional Australia.
Farrer Councils*
Albury City Council $1,932,402
Balranald Shire Council $1,822,654
Berrigan Shire Council $1,920,265
Carrathool Shire Council $ 3,187,675
Edward River Council $2,107,675
Federation Council $3,055,988
Greater Hume Council $ 2,832,035
Griffith City Council $2,255,318
Hay Shire Council $1,113,144
Leeton Shire Council $1,436,353
Murray River Council $4,074,150
Murrumbidgee Council $2,205,821
Narrandera Shire Council $2,182,498
Wentworth Shire Council $2,797,060
ends