The Federal Morrison Government has approved funding for three Somerset projects, as part of its $1.5 billion Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
Queensland Senator Paul Scarr said the funding was worth $987,796 for the Somerset region, which would help local jobs and businesses.
“Every single job we support makes a huge difference in our local community, now and as we build our way out of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Senator Scarr said.
“That is why we have moved quickly to approve funding to flow to the Somerset projects.
“Not only will this new program support jobs, construction businesses and economic growth across Somerset, 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 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 almost 5,000 projects have already been nominated under the program with around $450 million paid to councils across Australia.
“Our funding boost is helping 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.
“We are moving decisively to deliver the support councils and communities need to get through this pandemic and get back on their feet. Under the program, Councils have already nominated almost 5,000 projects with construction to be completed by the end of this year.”
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.
The Somerset projects are:
Widen sealed surface and install drainage – Eskdale Road. Street will be widened to 7 metres width including kerb and channel. Underground drainage to be installed for 220 metres along the eastern side of Mack Street, Esk. Project cost: $170,000. Project funding: $147,796.
Widen sealed surface and install drainage – Macaulay Street. Street will be widened to 7 metres width include and channel and underground drainage to be installed for 230 metres along the western side of Macaulay Street, Fernvale. Project cost: $280,000. Project funding: $280,000.
Street will be widened to 7 metres width including kerb and channel and underground drainage to be installed for 250 metres along the southern side of Eskdale Road, Toogoolawah. Project cost: $560,000. Project funding: $560,000.
More information on the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program is available at investment.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure_investment/local-roads-community-infrastructure-program.
Senator Paul Scarr media contact: Lauren Day, phone 0403852090.
