In 2015-16 the Australian Government will provide $2.3 billion for local governments under the Financial Assistance Grant programme. This includes $1.1 billion that was paid early on 30 June 2015.

Under the Financial Assistance Grants programme Councils in Farrer will receive a second quarter payment of $30,760,752 in untied funding.

Federal Member for Farrer, Sussan Ley said councils have the flexibility to spend the money according to local priorities, which not only build vital infrastructure but also support local businesses and create jobs in our community.

“The Federal Government’s Financial Assistance Grant programme gives councils flexibility to allocate much needed funds to projects that will meet the needs of our local communities,” Ms Ley said.

Minister for Major Projects, Territories and Local Government Paul Fletcher said Councils are free to spend this money in the way they judge best meets the need of their community.

“The Turnbull Government believes that Canberra doesn’t always know best,” Mr Fletcher said.

“The Councillors and management of a local council know what their community’s priorities are.

“These funds will be allocated for many different purposes by different councils – roads, kindergartens, libraries, infrastructure and many other priorities.”

Councils in the Farrer Electorate will receive the following Financial Assistance Grant funding in 2015-16:

More information about the Financial Assistance Grant programme, including funding being made to individual local governing bodies, is online at: www.regional.gov.au/local/assistance/index.aspx.