The Parkes Shire will be allocated a further $2.6 million to support jobs and deliver infrastructure for the community.
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All 12 councils in the Riverina electorate will be allocated a total of $27,601,842 through the 2021-22 Federal Budget, with $2,675,226 going to Parkes.
The total figure already adds to the $27.2 million from the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government's now $2.5 billion Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCI).
More than 100 projects across the Riverina and Central West have already been approved for funding, which supports more than 850 full-time equivalent jobs.
Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development and Riverina MP Michael McCormack said it was important to continue to build the way to recovery from COVID-19 through job creation and infrastructure projects at a local level.
"This program is providing jobs and delivering vital infrastructure through councils - they know best where this money needs to be spent in their Local Government Area," he said.
"This is all about supporting the resilience of local economies by delivering even more jobs to help communities bounce back from COVID-19, with the additional funding and a longer delivery window to provide greater flexibility for communities to address local priorities.
"A broader range of projects will now be eligible for funding under the LRCI, enabling local governments to pursue larger, more complex developments to deliver even greater benefits for their communities.
"Every single job we support makes a huge difference in our regions, now and as we build our way out of the pandemic."
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The new program will also improve road safety and bolster the resilience of local road networks.
"I will continue to work closely with councils to ensure projects get under way, supporting jobs and businesses as soon as possible," Mr McCormack said.
More than 5000 projects have already been nominated under the first two phases of the LRCI program with more than 2000 projects complete or under construction.
"We are moving decisively to deliver the support councils and communities need to get through this pandemic and get back on their feet," Mr McCormack said.
Councils will be able to access funding for LRCI Phase 3 from January 31, 2022, with the program extended until June 30, 2023.
More information on the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program is available at investment.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure_investment/local-roads-community-infrastructure-program.
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