More road and community infrastructure projects will be rolled out across Hinkler, thanks to a further $500 million in funding for the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program. 

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said the Coalition Government was continuing to deliver for local communities through the 2022-23 Budget. 

“This funding injection for our local councils means even more funding for upgrades to local roads, bike paths, community halls, playgrounds, parks and sports facilities, as well as improved accessibility to public facilities,” Mr Pitt said. 

“Providing more time for planning and construction will enable local governments to consider a broader range of priority projects and potentially undertake larger, more complex developments to deliver even great benefits for their communities.” 

“Councils in Hinkler will receive the following payment through the Phase 3 extension of the LRCI Program:  

• Fraser Coast Regional Council – $1,912,057;  

• Bundaberg Regional Council – $2,014,577.” 

“This funding is in addition to the $9,815,996 Fraser Coast Regional Council and $9,906,533 Bundaberg Regional Council has received from previous tranches of the LRCI Program.” 

Mr Pitt said completed projects funded through the LRCI program include the Changing Places facility in Hervey Bay at the All Abilities Playground and the upgrade of the waterway at Belle Eden in Bundaberg. 

“The aim of the LRCI program is to improve the amenities available to our local residents and the wider community and I look forward to seeing what our local councils have planned for this additional funding.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the quick delivery of projects under the LRCI Program will stimulate local economies. 

“This highly successful program has supported an estimated 9,000 jobs and nearly 7,900 individual projects,” the Deputy Prime Minister said. 

“Our additional funding brings the total Commonwealth Government commitment to the Local Roads and Community Program to $3 billion. 

“Delivering more local road and community infrastructure projects will make and towns and communities stronger and wealthier, and that is why we continue to invest in this vital initiative.” 

Assistant Minister for Local Government Kevin Hogan said the program forms part of the Liberal and Nationals commitment to back local councils and their communities through COVID-19 and secure a stronger future out the other side of the pandemic. 

“Local councils have been putting in some hard yards supporting their communities through the toughest times of the last few years, so I’m thrilled to be putting even more funding in their hands to help them do that,” Assistant Minister Hogan said. 

“This program also asks local councils to use local businesses and workforces to deliver their projects where possible and that’s exactly what we have been seeing, meaning these funds continue to flow on to hard-working Aussies, their families, and then back into their communities.” 

Councils will be able to access funding through the LRCI Phase 3 extension from July 2023. 

For more information on the LRCI Program, visit https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/about/local-initiatives/local-roads-and-community-infrastructure/