$100 million boost for regional infrastructure
Thursday, 12 January 2012
Victoria’s regional and rural councils will share in more than $100 million for vital infrastructure works in the first allocation from the State Government’s Local GovernmentInfrastructure Program (LGIP).
During a visit to Bendigo, Acting Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural DevelopmentPeter Ryan said funding would be distributed to 48 regional and rural councils for allocation tosupport key local infrastructure priorities.
“The LGIP is giving regional and rural councils certainty to plan for and build newinfrastructure or renew assets,” Mr Ryan said.
“The program is supporting local council initiatives to upgrade vital infrastructure includingroads and bridges, as well as supporting the development of new or improved facilities suchas halls and theatres, sporting grounds, grandstands, pools and libraries.”
Mr Ryan said each council will be allocated a notional four-year funding total for prioritylocal projects identified in forward capital works plans. “The distribution of funds is based on a fair and equitable formula designed in consultation with the Municipal Association of Victoria, Regional Cities Victoria, Rural Councils Victoria, Regional Development Australia Committee chairs and the Victorian Grants Commission,” MrRyan said.
Examples of projects nominated by councils include:
- $500,000 to the City of Greater Geelong to revitalise laneways in the CBD;
- $1.2 million to the City of Ballarat to replace Magpie Bridge;
- $350,000 to Central Goldfields Shire Council to install an air handling system at the Maryborough Sports and Fitness Centre;
- $2 million towards the Bendigo Library Redevelopment project.
The LGIP is part of the Government’s $1 billion Regional Growth Fund. For information about the LGIP visit: www.rdv.vic.gov.au/infrastructure-programs/local-government-program
