Federal cash to fund Shire projects

GOLDEN Plains Shire is hoping to put its Federal Government budget allocation to good use and finish several projects across the municipality.

Just over $1.3 million was issued to the Shire through phase three of the Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program, adding on to the $5.5 million received from the program over the past two years.

Shire mayor Cr Gavin Gamble welcomed the continuation of the LCRI program, which the Rural Councils Victoria and the Municipal Association of Victoria lobbied for.

“This funding is particularly important for regional and rural municipalities that have the greatest need for road upgrades and priority infrastructure in smaller townships,” Shire mayor Cr Gavin Gamble said.

Cr Gamble said money from the LCRI program has been spent on many roads, bridges, playgrounds and facilities in 16 townships across the Shire over the last two years.

Completed projects funded in part or all by the FCRI program include the new bridges at Rokewood and Rokewood Junction, playground upgrades in Dereel, Haddon and Garibaldi, the Bannockburn Skate Park upgrade, new nets at Lethbridge Recreation Reserve and several guardrail replacements.

Projects that are currently being funded by the program include the female friendly change rooms at Inverleigh Sporting Complex, the Linton playground upgrade, the next stages of widening Meredith-Shelford Road, the Lethbridge Lake Boardwalk upgrade, a new septic system at Meredith Interpretive Centre, and several intersection upgrades.

Cr Gamble said there were other announcements in the budget that could benefit Shire residents.

“In the Federal Budget were a range of cost-of-living measures including the reduction of fuel excise which will have a positive immediate impact for residents in Golden Plains Shire who travel longer distances to our neighbouring cities for work, education, shopping and health services,” Cr Gamble said.

“There was also the commitment of $800 million to improve mobile phone coverage in rural Australia. This issue has long been a priority in Golden Plains Shire and we look forward to hearing more detail about this funding program.”