More Fed money for Shire roads

NEW Federal Government funding has been announced for road projects in the Golden Plains Shire.

Of the $250 million cash pool, Golden Plains Shire will receive more than $2 million to go towards phase four of the local roads and community infrastructure program.

The funding is targeted at local government areas in outer-suburban, regional, and rural areas across Australia.

“We are delivering our election commitment of a further $250 million through phase four to prioritise road upgrades in regional, rural and outer urban areas,” said Member for Ballarat and Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King.

The program has already given more than $500 million to municipalities and is aimed at funding projects and creating jobs.

“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 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.”

The cities of Greater Geelong, Ballarat along with the Surf Coast Shire and Borough of Queenscliffe are also set to receive funding.

The timelines for stages one to three of the program were extended this March meaning municipalities will now have until June 2024 to complete works.

Member for Corangamite, Libby Coker, said the money would go towards the region’s stretched transport infrastructure.

“These additional dollars are an acknowledgement that our regional roads are under pressure,” she said.

“We’ve had a perfect storm, with rapid growth, more cars on our roads and an increasing number of damaging weather events.

“And, with escalating costs, it’s only getting harder for local councils to maintain roads. That’s why the Federal Government is stepping in to help, providing significant funding for our region.”