Strathbogie to receive $416,000
On 18 November 2008, the Australian Government announced that it is making available $300m in total to local government to stimulate growth and economic activity across Australia and support national productivity and community well-being.
A total of $250 million; to be shared across 79 municipalities in 2008-09; is being provided to local councils under the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program.
Additionally, under the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program - Strategic Projects, up to $50 million will be available to local government in 2008-09.
CEO of Strathbogie Shire Council, Kevin Hannagan said, "Strathbogie Shire Council welcomes the $416K funding it will receive from the $250m allocation. One of the first jobs of the new Council will be to prioritise what the money will be spent on."
Council has also been advised that it will need to meet guidelines and go through a competitive process in order to have projects selected for funding under the $50m component.
Outgoing Deputy Mayor, Robyn Machin attended the Australian Council of Local Government meeting in Canberra and said that the one-off grant has been allocated for local community infrastructure.
Projects that would qualify for the funding include social and cultural infrastructure such as town halls, community centres, libraries and parks; sport and recreation facilities, such as sporting grounds, stadiums, pools, walking tracks and playgrounds; tourism infrastructure, such as walkways and tourist information centres; and access facilities, such as footbridges, bus shelters, jetties and boat ramps.
The $300 million Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program is a direct cash injection into councils across the country to boost economic development and support jobs.
It follows a $10.4 billion economic stimulus strategy announced last month in the wake of the global financial crisis.
For more information: Marli Kelly 0409 410 178