Local governments in Bendigo have received their first 2021-22 quarterly payment through the Federal Government’s Financial Assistance Grant program.
Nationals Senate Leader and Senator for Victoria, Bridget McKenzie said the funding is untied, allowing councils to spend the grant according to their own local priorities.
“Local governments are vital to building safer and stronger communities. That’s why a total of more than $5.3 million in quarterly payments have been distributed in Bendigo,” Senator McKenzie said.
“They are also an important delivery partner for the Federal Government’s economic stimulus packages and play a critical role in our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Councils in Bendigo will receive the following quarterly payment:
Greater Bendigo City Council – $2,432,257
Macedon Ranges Shire Council – $1,030,212
Mitchell Shire Council – $1,124,751
Mount Alexander Shire Council – $728,952
Assistant Minister for Local Government, Kevin Hogan said a total of $2.7 billion in untied Federal funding was allocated for local governments in 2021–22.
“The Federal Government prepaid around half of the allocated funding in June 2021, the remainder will be paid through these quarterly payments across the year,” Assistant Minister Hogan said.
“We know the early payment is a valued support to councils, particularly in regions that have faced the combined impacts of bushfire, drought, floods and COVID-19.”
“Across the nation, local governments employ around 194,000 people and deliver a wide range of services in the cities, regional towns and remote areas of Australia. This support will continue to bolster Australia’s economic recovery.”
Since 1974–75, the Australian Government has provided local governments with almost $60 billion in untied funding through the Financial Assistance Grants program.
For more information, visit https://www.regional.gov.au/local/assistance/index.aspx