May 22, 2020
South Burnett Regional Council has secured more than $1.6 million through the Federal Government’s new Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCIP) to improve roads and community facilities.
The $500 million program is designed to support local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects, supporting jobs and helping communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Funding allocations have been calculated in a similar way to how the Roads to Recovery Program and the road component of the annual Financial Assistance Grants work.
This formula takes into consideration road length and population.
LRCIP grants announced on Friday include:
- Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council – $39,849
- Gympie Regional Council – $1,361,802
- North Burnett Regional Council – $1,851,438
- Somerset Regional Council – $987,796
- South Burnett Regional Council – $1,644,465
- Toowoomba Regional Council – $4,092,300
- Western Downs Regional Council – $3,465,660
Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said eligible road projects could include constructing or improving bridges and tunnels, street lighting, and heavy vehicle facilities such as rest areas.
A range of community infrastructure projects will also be eligible, including new or upgraded bicycle and walking paths, community facilities, and picnic shelters and barbecue facilities at parks.
“The LRCIP will enable local councils to deliver priority projects with a focus on upgrades and maintenance to local roads and community infrastructure,” Mr Littleproud said.
“I will be working closely with council to make sure projects get under way to support jobs and businesses as soon as possible.”
As a separate initiative, the Federal Government is also bringing forward $1.3 billion of next year’s Financial Assistance Grants to help Councils.
[UPDATED]
