Surf Coast receives infrastructure funding boost

THE Surf Coast Shire council will allocate an additional $1.5 million on local infrastructure projects thanks to the federal government’s 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 Federal Budget announced it would be investing a further $1 billion to the program over two years.

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

Federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg said a primary condition for a project’s approval is readiness for construction.

“These investments in our local communities will support local jobs.

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

The Surf Coast Shire has already had its project nominations from the initial $1,051,060 accepted.

These projects included the sealing of Mousley Street at Winchelsea, extending the Torquay Scouts Hall and creating a BMX track within Ocean Acres Reserve. All council’s approved projects are scheduled for completion in June 2021.

Surf Coast Shire council general manager of Culture and Community Chris Pike said council would wait to learn more about the details of the federal government’s additional investment before deciding which new projects it would nominate through the program.

“With the announcement of further funding in the Federal Budget for the 2021-22 LRCIP, Council will wait until the 2021-22 funding guidelines are released before determining which projects to nominate. It’s unclear when this information will be available,” Mr Pike said.

“Council has a process for receiving community project ideas at any time of the year, with several community projects previously nominated and subsequently being delivered through the 2020-21 round of LRCIP funding.”

The City of Greater Geelong council was allocated an extra $8,262,225 from the LRCIP to take its total funding from the program to $10,445,729.