The Barcoo Shire Council has received an extra $710,000 in Federal Government funding to develop safer roads in the region under the Roads to Recovery program (R2R), Maranoa MP David Littleproud said today.
“This funding is part of the additional $138.9 million that has been allocated to drought-affected communities through the R2R program,” Mr Littleproud said.
“Apart from increased safety, drivers are going to be travelling on smoother, more reliable roads and that’s all part of building up efficiency across the region.
“When it rains, farmers and businesses are going to hit the ground running because they’ll have more confidence in local roads to move livestock to saleyards or heavy goods to customers.
“Tourism is a growing industry and giving travellers access to more-reliable roads incentivises them with more places to explore and to spend locally.”
Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister, Andrew Gee said: “The drought has devastated our country communities. This extra roads funding is designed to stimulate local economic activity and improve local infrastructure by making our roads better and safer for country people. I’m looking forward to seeing some really worthwhile projects being put forward by the local councils,” he said.
“Improving roads is an issue very close to the hearts of country people, and this additional funding will make a real difference to the council area and be a very welcome and timely boost.”
Funding has been allocated to the 128 local government areas with the aim of stimulating local economic activity through road infrastructure projects. Those councils are also receiving support under the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Programme.
“The extra funding matches the allocation already made to the Barcoo Shire Council for the 2019-2020 financial year, and will be made available from January 2020,” Mr Littleproud said.
From 2013-14 to 2023-24, the Government will provide $6.2 billion under the Roads to Recovery Program, with an on-going commitment of $500 million each year following.
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