Hinkler councils to receive $18.42M for Roads to Recovery

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt today welcomed delivery of the Australian Government’s $2.1 billion Roads to Recovery programme, announcing that the Bundaberg and Fraser Coast Regional Councils will receive a total of $18.42 million for local road construction and street repairs.

“Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss is writing to all councils advising them of their full allocations for the 2014-15 to 2018-19 Roads to Recovery programme,” Mr Pitt said.

“This is great news for local councils, residents and businesses.

“These funds will make a real difference in building roads, repairing streets and creating better access across our community.

“As announced in the 2014-15 Federal Budget, our Government has doubled Roads to Recovery payments to councils next year (2015-16) to $700 million, which will be a tremendous windfall for much-needed local road works.

“The Australian Government has extended Roads to Recovery for another five years to ensure councils all over Australia receive the funding they need to ensure local roads are safe, our communities are well connected and moving freight in and out of town is efficient.”

Hinkler-based councils will receive their funding allocations in November:

•           Bundaberg Regional Council will receive $1.4 million for 2014-15, bringing their total funding to almost $8.46 million by 2018-19

•           Fraser Coast Regional Council will receive $1.66 million in 2014-15, bringing their total funding to about $9.96 million by 2018-19

Mr Pitt said Roads to Recovery was just one of many funding programs provided to Hinkler Councils this financial year, including a total of $15 million through the Financial Assistance Grants Program.

“Contrary to what Bundaberg Regional Council would have their ratepayers believe, the Federal Government is not to blame for their $5 million budget deficit. In fact, funding under some of the programs has increased.”

Media contact: Larine Statham 0427 653 814