Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says he is looking forward to seeing work get underway on more than $300 million in Federal Government spending, confirmed in this week’s Budget.
Mr Chester said additional funding for infrastructure across the region would provide more opportunities to support local jobs.
“We need to keep getting stuff done, identifying local priority projects and focussing on investing in the future of our region as we continue to recover from the drought, bushfires and coronavirus pandemic.
“Now is the time for local groups to finalise their plans for projects that improve the liveability of our region.
“Our focus is to get this money into the Gippsland economy and deliver these projects as quickly as possible.
“These infrastructure projects will support local contractors and suppliers, which in turn supports local jobs.”
East Gippsland Shire Council will receive more than $18 million this financial year to spend on safer roads, improved community facilities and programs. Projects include:
- $10 million through the Regional Recovery Partnerships Program for the East Gippsland Rail Trail, Forest Park in Orbost, Kalimna Viewing Platform and Park upgrade, Koala Discovery and Rehabilitation at Paynesville and Raymond Island, Krautungalung Walk Lakes Entrance, Mallacoota Streetscape upgrades and Slip Road, Paynesville.
- $5.9 million under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program for Phase 3 with councils able to access funding from January 1, 2022 for projects to be completed by June 30, 2023.
- $3 million through the Roads to Recovery program to maintain and upgrade local roads
Other major Federal Government infrastructure projects within the shire this financial year, include:
- $10 million for an upgrade of Mallacoota-Genoa Road
- $4.5 million of its $9 million commitment to upgrade Bonang Road
- $121.7 million of its $447.7 commitment to the Gippsland rail line, and
- $4.4 million of the $5.4 million expansion and upgrade of the WORLD Sporting Precinct at Bairnsdale
Mr Chester said we already have many Federal Government funded projects underway or ready to begin across the municipality, including upgrades to Bullock Island and Omeo Mountain Bike Trails.
“We need to ensure we get this money out the door and into East Gippsland to support businesses and local jobs as soon as possible.”
