The Federal Government has added $1 billion to its Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program, which delivers cash through local councils for community infrastructure projects, in a move to boost construction jobs.
This builds on the existing $500 million commitment made in May for LRCI which has already seen more than 1,800 projects approved for funding nation-wide.
The Government’s record $110 billion transport infrastructure program and $3.5 billion rolling water infrastructure fund will also support construction jobs and businesses.
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack says the Federal Budget confirmed the Government’s commitment to partnering with the local government sector to rebuild the economy.
“Local governments employ around 194,000 people and deliver a wide range of services in the cities, regional towns and remote areas of Australia – that’s why we’re backing local government to help map the economic road back,” he says.
“Our community-led recovery plan empowers local governments to deliver roads and community infrastructure through investment in shovel-ready projects.
“By investing this extra $1 billion in local priorities under the LRCI Program, we are helping to deliver thousands of local jobs and supporting local businesses.”
Minister for Local Government Mark Coulton says this support for councils includes both general funding and project-specific to deliver targeted infrastructure outcomes for local communities.
“The longstanding Financial Assistance Grant program provides support to each council to spend on local priorities that will create the biggest boost to jobs and small businesses,” he says.
“This year’s allocation of $2.6 billion is the highest ever under the Financial Assistance Grant program and I also encourage regional councils to take advantage of the $200 million injection into the highly successful Building Better Regions Fund.”
Minister Coulton says councils are an essential partner in delivering the infrastructure and services Australians need to thrive and play a particularly important role in regional areas.
“This Budget will once again draw on the professionalism and expertise of the level of government that is closest to the people it serves, with specific support for local infrastructure, workforce skills and training and recovery from the economic shocks of natural disasters and the pandemic,” he says.
Ai Group Chief Executive says this Federal Budget is right for the times.
“The large boost to household incomes from the bring forward of personal income tax cuts; the additional direct payments to households and the large commitments to infrastructure spending will stimulate aggregate demand and fuel the recovery,” he says.
“Ai Group particularly welcomes the support the Government is providing to skills development and employment with its backing of 100,000 new apprenticeships and traineeships and the subsidy for employment of previously unemployed people aged under 35.”