Australian Government Funding for Priority Pyrenees Shire Projects

Published on 12 January 2022

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Media Release from Dr Anne Webster Federal Member for Mallee

The Liberal and Nationals Government is investing $1,119,842 in priority projects across the Pyrenees in Mallee, supporting local jobs, businesses and the resilience of local economies to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Made possible under the third phase of the Australian Government’s $2.5 billion Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program, projects to be delivered by Pyrenees Shire Council include:

  • $100,000 for vehicle parking for the Amphitheatre Post Office to improve safety and accessibility.
  • $100,000 for Avoca Swimming Pool carpark upgrade including resurfacing, landscaping and shade tree planting.
  • $100,000 for Electric vehicle recharging stations in Avoca to encourage and prolong visitation and expenditure in towns, support residents with electric vehicles.
  • $300,000 for Avoca footpath construction for bicycle and walking paths
  • $100,000 for Moonambel footpath development for both bicycle and walking paths
  • $499,842 for Crowlands-Eversley Road 1km upgrade to finalise the reconstruction to the key link road

Federal Member for Mallee, Anne Webster, said the funding reflects Pyrenees Shire Council’s top priorities and will ensure the needs of our local communities are met.

“With the challenges presented by COVID-19, bushfires, floods and other events, the past couple of years have been tough for communities, businesses and local councils,” Dr Webster said.

“That’s why we have moved quickly to approve funding for six projects for the Pyrenees in Mallee, and another seven projects in Wannon, paving the way for shovels to hit the dirt to make them a reality.

“This will provide a vital boost for our local communities, backing local jobs and economic growth while delivering lasting upgrades that will benefit residents for years to come.”

“Small rural councils are reliant on grant programs such as the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program from the Australian Government,” Mayor Ron Eason said.

“We are excited to get started on the projects in this round, including upgrading parking and footpaths, rebuilding Crowlands-Eversley Road and installing EV charging stations,” Cr Eason said.

“The support from the Australian Government makes a huge difference to being able to deliver key services to our communities,” Cr Eason said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said $1 billion in funding is flowing under the third phase of the LRCI program to local councils across Australia to improve their local road networks and deliver priority community infrastructure projects.

“This builds on the $1.5 billion already approved to deliver more than 6,100 projects nationwide under the first two phases of the program,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“This program is having a significant impact across the country, with more than 2,000 projects already complete or under construction – delivering upgrades to local roads, bike paths, community halls, playgrounds, parks and sports facilities, as well as improved accessibility to public facilities.

“Phase 3 will build on this, delivering more jobs, more economic stimulus, and more of the local priority projects that communities need and deserve.”

Assistant Minister for Local Government Kevin Hogan said the program forms part of the Liberal and Nationals unwavering commitment to back local councils and their communities through COVID-19 and secure a stronger future out the other side of the pandemic.

“We want to deliver the best outcomes for locals under this program, which is why we have listened and acted on council feedback, providing a longer delivery window for local governments to pursue larger, more complex projects that may be a higher priority and have a bigger impact on the community,” Assistant Minister Hogan said.

“We also get councils to use local businesses and workforces to deliver these projects as much as possible, ensuring this stimulus flows directly into the hands of hard-working Aussies, their families, their businesses and their communities.

“I look forward to seeing more projects get underway and supporting jobs and communities at this critical time.”

For more information on the $2.5 billion LRCI program, including the allocations for the $1 billion third phase, visit https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/local-roads-and-community-infrastructure/.

Media contact:

Deputy Prime Minister – Antony Perry | 0477 971 654 | Antony.Perry@infrastructure.gov.au

Assistant Minister Hogan – Mark Highfield| 0410 825 558 | Mark.Highfield@aph.gov.au

Federal Member for Mallee – Grace Walker|0427 310 770 | Grace.Walker@aph.gov.au