Councils in New England receive funds for local priorities

19 Aug 2018

The Coalition Government has made the first quarterly payment of $6.3 million to local councils in the New England under the 2018-19 Financial Assistance Grant Program.

 

Federal Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, said local councils including Armidale Regional Council, Glen Innes Severn Council, Gwydir Shire Council, Inverell Shire Council, Liverpool Plains Shire Council, Tamworth Regional Council, Tenterfield Shire Council, Upper Hunter Shire Council, Uralla Shire Council and Walcha Council will receive a total of $49.8 million this financial year to support their local communities.

 

“These grants can be used to fund projects like community infrastructure, residential roads, local events, anything really which they see as a priority in their area,” Mr Joyce said.

 

“Tamworth council is receiving $10.4 million, Armidale $6.6 million, Inverell $5.9 million and Upper Hunter almost $5 million in assistance.

 

“This funding is on top of grants for Bridges Renewal, Roads to Recovery and Black Spot programs we’re delivering around the electorate for projects like upgrades at Browns Lane, Werris Creek Road and Thunderbolts Way to name but a few.”

 

Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government John McVeigh said the program was a prime example of the Coalition Government’s commitment to supporting the efforts of local government to deliver the services and facilities their communities need.

 

“Under the program, the Government is providing local governments with a total of $2.4 billion in untied grants in 2018-19,” Dr McVeigh said.

 

“Councils are free to spend this untied funding based on their own local priorities including the infrastructure and services their community need.”

 

Full details of the allocations to councils under the Financial Assistance Grant Program are available online at regional.gov.au/local/assistance

(ENDS)

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