JOINT MEDIA RELEASE: $1,089,053 BOOST FOR SCENIC RIM ROADS

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE: The Hon. Scott Buchholz MP, Federal Member for Wright, Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport and Cr Greg Christensen, Mayor, Scenic Rim Regional Council

The Scenic Rim Regional Council will receive a cash boost as part of the Federal Liberal National Government’s $1.8 billion cash injection for road and community projects through local governments across Australia.

The significant investment will support local jobs and businesses in the Scenic Rim and boost our struggling economy as a result of drought, bushfire and the impacts of COVID-19.

Federal Member for Wright and Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport, Scott Buchholz said the package included the establishment of a new $500 million Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program and the bringing forward of $1.3 billion in Financial Assistance Grant payments.

“We know that local governments are well positioned to quickly deliver projects that will benefit the Scenic Rim Region.

“The new program we’re announcing, is based on the highly successful Roads to Recovery program, it will position Scenic Rim Regional Council to deliver priority projects with a focus on upgrades and maintenance to local roads and community infrastructure.

“By making these investments in critical local road infrastructure, we’re supporting local jobs, local businesses and helping our economy in the Scenic Rim to be stronger on the other side of this pandemic,” Mr Buchholz said.

Local road projects to be delivered under the Program include but are not limited to constructing or improving bridges, street lighting, and heavy vehicle facilities such as rest areas.

A broad range of community infrastructure projects will be eligible including new or upgraded bicycle and walking paths, community facilities, and picnic shelters and barbeque facilities at parks.

Mayor of the Scenic Rim Regional Council, Greg Christensen welcomed the Australian Government’s local government support package.

"The Australian Government's $1,089,053 allocated funding for the Scenic Rim under the Local Road and Community Infrastructure program is very welcome news.

"As a large region, the Scenic Rim has a backlog of infrastructure projects that would transform our community, however with limited revenue, it's difficult for us to pursue on our own.

"We are looking forward to reviewing the guidelines and looking at what projects we can accelerate that will contribute to immediate employment, community liveability and well-being, while providing overall long-term sustainability for the region.

"We appreciate the Prime Minister's acknowledgement of the role local government plays in responding to COVID-19, and furthermore his recognition of how important the support is for regions like the Scenic Rim, which have battered drought, bushfires and COVID-19."

Mr Buchholz said last financial year, 2019-20 the Australian Government injected $3,304,642 into the Scenic Rim under the Financial Assistance Grant’s scheme alone.

“We’ve been working with Council in response to the various disaster’s our community has confronted, from the cyclone, through the drought and in responding to the bushfires and now the coronavirus pandemic.

“Our region has been hit hard, but people here are resilient and to assist council in supporting a locally led recovery – we’re bringing forward the next round of payments.

“This is about supporting local jobs, local infrastructure and local businesses.

“I will work closely with the Mayor and Councils to get projects get under way,” Mr Buchholz said.

Guidelines for the Program will be provided directly to local governments by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications.

Allocations under the Financial Assistance Grant and Local Road and Community Infrastructure programs can be found at https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/lrci