Councils welcome Federal funding boost for local government

The $500 million Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program, coupled with the pre-payment of $1.3 billion of next year’s Financial Assistance Grants, ensure councils have the funding stream required to provide the vital services expected of them.

The funding is crucial to not just recover from the impacts of COVID-19, but to provide local jobs and stimulate economies in areas recovering from the Black Summer bushfires.

The announcement follows key advocacy work by the Australian Local Government Association together with MAV and other peak state bodies.

Councils are responsible for 85 per cent of the state’s entire road network, and maintaining ageing road assets continues to be a huge challenge particularly for rural and regional councils. This funding is vital to ensure our roads are safe and properly maintained for all users.

Cr Coral Ross, President of the MAV, welcomed the funding announcement as an important and timely boost to councils and their communities.

“Councils are the closest level of government to the community and we welcome the funding to deliver the projects needed by residents and ratepayers. “Local economies have suffered from the economic downturn brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and Black Summer bushfires. Councils, supported by Federal and State Governments, will play a pivotal role in driving local economic recovery.

“There are countless projects for councils across Victoria that are dependant on federal and state funding. Residents and ratepayers can anticipate long-term benefits to their communities through the job creation and infrastructure improvement brought about by this funding.

“We look forward to helping deliver these vital projects in partnership with the Federal Government that provide welcome and much-needed benefits to local economies and communities.”

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For further information, contact MAV President Cr Coral Ross on 0438 005 225 or the MAV Communications Unit on (03) 9667 5590.