Feds front road funds

THE region’s road and community infrastructure projects are set to receive increased funding following packages announced by the Federal Government last week.

The City of Ballarat is to receive about $2.5 million out of a $250 million pool set aside for regional projects.

The money is aimed at improving rural, regional and outer-urban locations throughout Australia under phase four of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.

“We know many councils across the country are struggling to maintain and improve their local road networks especially following repeated flooding and other natural disasters in recent times,” said Member for Ballarat, Catherine King.

“We have listened to councils and are standing stand side-by-side with local governments to support them in their vital role in delivering critical infrastructure for their communities.”

As part of the program Golden Plains Shire will receive in excess of $2 million, while more than $1.5 million has gone to Hepburn Shire.

Municipalities throughout Australia have so far received $500 million in phase four funding, with more than 460 local government areas to get extra funding on top of their original allocation.

Earlier this year, the Federal Government extended the construction timeline for phase one to three projects to Sunday, 30 June next year.

The City of Ballarat previously received more than $3 million as part of phase three of the program.