- The Federal Morrison Government has approved funding for seven local projects, as part of its $1.5 billion Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program, which is supporting local jobs, businesses and boosting the economy during COVID-19.
- Springfield based Senator Paul Scarr said getting shovels in the ground on local construction projects was important for maintaining jobs and economic growth in the Ipswich City Council region.
- “Every single job we support makes a huge difference in our local community, now and as we build our way out of the pandemic,” Senator Scarr said.
- “That is why we have moved quickly to approve funding to flow to seven projects.
- “Not only will this new program support jobs, construction businesses and economic growth across Ipswich, it will also improve road safety and bolster the resilience of our local road networks, helping Ipswich residents get home sooner and safer.
“We will work closely with our local council in Ipswich to ensure local projects get underway and support jobs and businesses as soon as possible.”
The local projects, with approved funding worth $1,788,480, include;
- A new path a Highridge Road, Springfield. This will provide a disability compliant pedestrian connection along Highridge Road to the proposed Arborwood Avenue footpath. Total project cost $237,600. Total approved funding $216,000.
- Kerb, channel and drainage works along McLean Street, North Ipswich. Total project cost $1,069,200. Total approved funding $972,000.
- A new shared bicycle and walking pathway along Queens Park and Goleby Avenue, Ipswich. Total project cost $249,480. Total approved funding $226,800.
- A new small dog breed off-leash area at Redbank Plains Recreation Reserve. Small dog breeds are currently sharing the existing dog off leash area with larger breeds. Total project cost $106,920. Total approved funding $97,200.
- A bicycle and walking pathway upgrade along Waghorn Street, Ipswich. Total project cost $237,600. Total approved funding $216,000.
- Footpath rehabilitation along Whitehill Road, Eastern Heights. Total project cost $66,528. Total approved funding $60,480.
- A new bicycle and walking path along Arborwood Avenue, Springfield. Providing a disability compliant pedestrian connection along Arborwood Drive to the Woodcrest College Secondary School. Total cost $237,600. Total approved funding $216,000.
Ipswich mayor Teresa Harding welcomed the funding announcement from Canberra and said it would enable several shovel-ready projects to get started.
“This is great news for Ipswich and the community,” Mayor Harding said.
“It will help residents across the region, support businesses and significantly boost jobs and growth.
“We welcome funding from all levels of government and will be in a position to begin these vital works early in the new year.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the projects funded under the Program will improve the quality of life of Australians and have lasting economic and social benefits for local communities.
“Our funding boost will help communities across Australia accelerate priority projects to get people into jobs and stimulate our economy,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“We know how important our support is to communities who have faced the combined effects of drought, bushfires and now COVID-19, which is why we are backing projects to create employment and business opportunities while cutting travel times, as well as making our roads and communities safer.
“Having only announced the program in late May, we are moving decisively to deliver the support councils and communities need to get through this pandemic and get back on their feet.”
- In May 2020, 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.
