Jennifer Pittorino
The federal government is awarding $250 million for road projects in rural, regional and outer-urban areas, including Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay.
This funding is part of phase four of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, which has already delivered $500 million to Australian councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects in their region, the government said.
The additional $250 million investment is available to councils classified as rural, regional or outer-urban to spend on road projects.
Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development Minister Catherine King said the federal government knew many councils across the country are struggling to maintain and improve their local road networks.
“We are supporting them in their vital role in delivering critical infrastructure for their communities,” she said.
Maribyrnong mayor Sarah Carter said the council was very pleased to have received $357,936 of funding from the grant.
“These grants assist council in addressing priority road and community infrastructure renewal and improvement projects, which are important for supporting our community now and in the future,” she said.
“Priority projects to be delivered under the phase four funding are currently being considered by the Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.”
A Hobsons Bay council spokesperson said the works will include road reconstruction, drainage, and kerb and channel works.
“We have been allocated $477,167 as part of phase four of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Funding program,” the spokesperson said.
“This funding will go towards a road rehabilitation project at The Strand in Newport, from North Road to the roundabout where it becomes Nelson Place.”
In March, the government extended project construction timelines for phases one to three of the program, giving councils until June 20, 2024, to complete works.
