Brimbank, Maribyrnong and Moonee Valley Councils are set to share in more than $1.6 million in community infrastructure funding, under the latest round of the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure program.

The Member for Maribyrnong, Bill Shorten, said in Round Five of the program, Brimbank has been allocated $1,107,903; Maribyrnong $257,387; and Moonee Valley $241,833.

“I welcome this additional funding. Good community infrastructure will cater for our growing population and make our suburbs even better places in which to live,” Mr Shorten said.

“This funding can be used to build and renew community infrastructure like sporting facilities, libraries, town halls, playgrounds and essential community services such as child care facilities.”

“Importantly it will go towards shovel-ready projects that will allow the Brimbank, Maribyrnong and Moonee Valley Councils to generate new economic activity and jobs, while delivering services now and for the future.”

This week the Gillard Government announced that it will provide $150 million to be shared between all local councils and shires across Australia to help build and renew community infrastructure.

Around 70 per cent, or $105 million, of the total funding will be directed to rural and regional councils and will come from the Regional Development Australia Fund. Urban councils will share $45 million for local infrastructure to help make our cities more productive, liveable and sustainable which will come from the Liveable Cities program.

Councils and shires will share this funding based on the current distribution of the Financial Assistance Grants.

Mr Shorten called on residents and businesses in Melbourne’s West to make suggestions on how the money should be spent.

“This funding can only be used to build and renew community infrastructure, and local governments will need to outline the projects on which they intend to spend the money.

“If you would like to have your say, or believe you have a terrific idea in your neighbourhood, please email through my website and we can pass it on to council,” Mr Shorten said.

The new funding announced by the Federal Government this week comes on top of the $2 billion we provide annually to local government through Financial Assistance Grants, the $350 million annually for local roads through the Roads to Recovery program and the $1 billion provided since 2007 for community infrastructure projects through the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program.

Guidelines for this funding round will be up on the Department of Regional Australia website on Friday. Mr Shorten’s website is at www.billshorten.com.au/contact.

ENDS

Contact: Jayne Edwards 9326 1300/0410 455737 [email protected]