The Federal Liberal and Nationals Government has approved funding for three Somerset Regional Council 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.
Queensland Senator Paul Scarr said getting shovels in the ground on local construction projects was important for maintaining jobs and economic growth in the Somerset Regional Council.
“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 the Somerset Regional Council.”
The projects, worth a total of x include;
Widening of Macaulay Street to seven metres width, including kerb, channel and underground drainage to be installed for 230 metres along the western side of Macaulay Street, Fernvale. Cost $280,000.
Widening of Mack Street to seven metres width, including kerb, channel and underground drainage to be installed for 250 metres along the southern side of Eskdale Street, Toogoolawah.
A new path with a disability compliant pedestrian connection along Aborwood Drive to the Woodcrest College Secondary School. Cost $237,600.
“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 Australians get home sooner and safer.
“We will work closely with our local council in Ipswich to ensure local projects get underway and supporting jobs and businesses as soon as possible.”
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.
