The 2021–22 Federal Budget delivers substantial support to assist Maranoa councils to boost Australia’s economic recovery thanks to an additional $1 billion through Phase 3 of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program.
Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said South Burnett Regional Council will directly benefit from the funding boost.
“This Budget injection for our hard-working local councils means even more funding for upgrades to local roads, bike paths, community halls, playgrounds, parks and sports facilities, as well as improved accessibility to public facilities,” Mr Littleproud said.
“South Burnett Regional Council will receive an estimated $3.28 million in additional funding through Phase 3 of the LRCI Program to deliver local priority projects, building on $3.59 million allocated in Phases 1 and 2 of the Program.
“Providing more time for planning and construction will enable local governments to consider a broader range of priority projects and potentially undertake larger, more complex developments to deliver even greater benefits for their communities.
“I have been delighted to see LRCI Program projects being delivered across Maranoa over recent months, supporting local businesses and delivering even more jobs – Phase 3 will further assist our local communities in emerging from the pandemic stronger and more resilient.
The LRCIP Program has already funded a number of significant projects within the South Burnett including $303,000 for rural road sealing in Nanango and $180,000 to refurbish the Taromeo Pedestrian Bridge in Blackbutt.
The new investment brings the total Australian Government commitment to the highly successful LRCI Program to $2.5 billion.
LRCI Phase 3 is expected to support an estimated 3,500 jobs over the life of the projects across the nation, particularly where employment in other sectors such as tourism has been negatively impacted.
Councils will be able to access funding through LRCI Phase 3 from 1 January 2022, with Phase 3 projects to be completed by 30 June 2023.
For more information, visit the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications website.
