By Corey Everitt and Cameron Lucadou-Wells
Extra federal funding of almost $1m for local roads has been welcomed by the Cardinia Shire Council.
As part of the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program, the Council has been allocated $975,000 to be put into Cardinia Shire roads.
Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King announced the funding as part of an additional $250 million for the LRCI program on 3 May.
This is the second half of Phase 4 of the program, where in the first half the Council was allocated $1.69m.
This rounds off total funding for phase of the federal project to $2.6m.
The Council is pleased with the announcement and looks forward to working on existing and new road projects.
“Cardinia Shire Council welcomes the recent announcement that the Australian Government will be increasing the LCRI funding for our municipality,” a Council spokesperson said.
“This meaningful funding stream has supported our Council to deliver many capital works projects over the past few years.
Council is supportive of seeing the continuation of the LRCI program, now with the fourth round of funding, available to Cardinia Shire Council under the program.
We await the guidelines and further instruction around the requirements under the program to determine how these funds can be best utilised to serve the community.”
The guidelines and requirements of the funding are expected to be released ahead of 1st July 2023.
Minister Catherine King said the boost delivered on the Government’s election commitment.
“We know many councils across the country are struggling to maintain and improve their local road networks – especially following repeated flooding and other natural disasters in recent times.
“We have listened to councils and are standing stand side-by-side with local governments to support them in their vital role in delivering critical infrastructure for their communities.”
Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Minister Kristy McBain said the “resounding feedback” from councils was that the extra funds would progress their “higher priority projects”.
“Now this work can commence.”
