Geelong and Queenscliffe receive infrastructure funding boost

THE City of Greater Geelong has been allocated an extra $8.2 million to spend on local infrastructure projects due to the federal government’s additional investment in the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCIP).

The federal government split the initial $1.8 billion between local governments across Australia, and during the 2020-21 Budget announced it would be investing a further $1 billion to the program over two years.

Councils must first nominate projects for approval Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications to access the funding.

Federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the primary condition of this approval is the projects’ being ready for construction.

“These investments in our local communities will support local jobs,” Mr Frydenberg said.

“Funding for these shovel-ready projects will be provided on a use it or lose it basis.”

The $8,262,225 additional funding for the City takes its total funding from the LRCIP to $10,445,729.

City of Greater Geelong chief executive Martin Cutter said the extra funds would aid the city’s recovery from the pandemic.

“We welcome this funding from the federal government which will provide much-needed stimulus during our COVID recovery.”

The Borough of Queenscliffe received a further $102,736 in addition to the original $140,915 it was allocated.

A council spokesperson said the borough would be thorough in selecting which projects it nominates for the LCRIP funds.

“Council has a list of future projects obtained via our community budget engagement survey which align with the objectives in our Council Plan and Asset Renewal Plan. Council officers will develop a shortlist of potential projects and present to Council for consideration,” they said.

“Council’s community budget engagement survey, conducted from October 2019, attracted a wide range of suggestions for areas Council should focus on in the 2020–21 budget year. A number of the project ideas proposed in that consultation will be considered.”