The Liberal and Nationals Government is investing in the upgrade of road infrastructure in North East Victoria, as part of the $2.5 billion Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
This program supports local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia, supporting jobs and the resilience of local economies to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mansfield Shire Council will receive more than $635,000 in funding for the re-sheeting of ten local roads. This funding is part of $2.4 million committed to the Mansfield region for priority projects through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
Nationals Senate Leader and Senator for Victoria, Bridget McKenzie said these new projects will support local jobs and assist economic recovery.
“Our government is working hard to ensure people can get home sooner and safer to their families. It’s important our local roads are maintained and up to scratch,” Senator McKenzie said.
“We will work closely with Mansfield Shire Council to ensure jobs, local construction businesses and economic growth is bolstered across North East Victoria.
“The Nationals in government continue to deliver for this region. Just last week, we also announced guidelines for the next phase of this program which will see tens of millions of dollars invested here in regional Victoria.”
Under the second phase of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, the following roads in Mansfield Shire will be provided funding:
• Ancona Road, Merton-Ancona.
• Banumums Road, Mansfield.
• Olivers Road, Mansfield.
• Lonergans Road, Ancona.
• Tabletop Road, Tolmie
• Knights Road, Merton.
• Sandy Creek Road, Barjarg.
• Sandy Creek Road, Barjarg.
• McLeod Lane, Mansfield.
• The Sideling, Jamieson.
The new projects are set to be complete by December of this year.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said over 6,100 projects have already been approved under the program with nearly $850 million paid to councils across Australia so far.
“This funding will result in some much-needed facilities and infrastructure in our community, which will have flow-on effects for local companies and suppliers,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“We know how important our support is to communities who have faced the combined effects of drought, bushfires and COVID-19, which is why the construction of new infrastructure will help support the community recover from their economic hardships.
“These projects are driving new money back into the local economy in regional Victoria and creating jobs at a time when we need it most – it’s a real win-win.”
In June 2021, the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government also pre-paid $1.3 billion of this year’s Financial Assistance Grant to provide untied funding for all local councils across Australia to spend on local priorities.
More information on the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program is available at
investment.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure_investment/local-roads-community-infrastructure-program.