Local road maintenance in Bendigo will receive a boost, thanks to funding under the Australian Government’s Roads to Recovery Program.
Nationals Senate Leader and Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie said the Australian Government would deliver over $65.09 million to 215 local government authorities nationwide for safer and better-maintained roads.
“This Roads to Recovery funding in Bendigo will allow councils across the area to progress a number of high-priority projects, using local knowledge to deliver the best roads,” Senator McKenzie said.
“This forms part of our Government’s unwavering commitment to get Australians home sooner and safer, no matter where they live.”
Councils in Bendigo will receive the following quarterly payment:
• Macedon Ranges Shire Council – $588,716.
• Greater Bendigo City Council – $300,000.
Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister and Assistant Minister for Local Government Kevin Hogan said the Australian Government has committed an additional $100 million per year to the Roads to Recovery Program from 2019–20, as part of the Local and State Government Road Safety Package announced in the 2019–20 Budget.
“From 2013–14 to 2023–24, the Government will provide $6.2 billion under the Roads to Recovery Program, with an ongoing commitment of $500 million each year following,” Assistant Minister Hogan said.
“We are investing in infrastructure nationwide in order to lay the foundations for economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“Assisting local councils to maintain and improve roads under their jurisdiction is a big part of that, which is why we are also funding a $2.5 billion Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program and the bringing forward of $1.3 billion of the 2021–22 Financial Assistance Grant payment.”
Assistant Minister Hogan said Roads to Recovery investments deliver safer roads in local government areas throughout the country.
“The Australian Government supports local governments to provide vital infrastructure and services through a range of programs.”
“This support includes Financial Assistance Grants and the Bridges Renewal, Black Spot, Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity, Roads to Recovery and Local Roads and Community Infrastructure programs.”
More information on these programs is available at www.infrastructure.gov.au.