The Morrison-McCormack Government has brought forward infrastructure spending to provide a $1.8 billion boost to Australian councils for construction projects that will support local jobs and regional economies.

Councils in Cowper will receive a total of $5,732,392 from the $500 million Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program, plus a share of the $1.3 billion 2020-21 Financial Assistance Grant payment.

Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan said this stimulus would help his region come out of the coronavirus pandemic while improving local infrastructure.

“For the electorate of Cowper, today’s announcement by the Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack means a five million cash stimulus to boost local jobs,” he said.

“The Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program is based on the successful Roads to Recovery program and will enable local councils to deliver priority projects like road upgrades, bridges and tunnels.

“Councils are one of the best organisations to get construction jobs happening quickly as they have a ready workforce, heavy machinery and great local procurement connections with local contractors and suppliers.

“This funding will help the region recover from the economic downturn caused by COVID-19.”

Under the Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program, the following funding allocations have been made to the five councils in Cowper:

• $1,826,618 for Port Macquarie-Hastings Council
• $1,160,188 for Kempsey Shire Council
• $768,865 for Nambucca Valley Council
• $594,625 for Bellingen Shire Council
• And $1,382,096 for Coffs Harbour City Council. A total of $5,732,392 for the region.

The construction projects to be delivered through the Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program can include, but are not limited to, roads, bridges, tunnels, heavy vehicle facilities such as rest areas, bicycle and walking paths, community facilities, and picnic shelters and barbeque facilities at parks.

Guidelines for the Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program will be provided directly to Local Governments by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications.

For more information visit https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/lrci

Media contact:
Mr McCormack – Dean Shachar 0418 202 860
Mr Conaghan – Liz Spry 0418 928 744