The Rudd Labor Government has today announced more than $1.3 million for ready-to-go infrastructure projects on the Sunshine Coast, including a NEW walkway along the Noosa River, and upgrades to the main streets of Nambour and Maleny.

The funding will be delivered from the $800 million Community Infrastructure Program to support jobs, boost local economies and improve the quality of life in local communities.

This program is the single largest investment in local infrastructure in Australia's history.

The Sunshine Coast Regional Council will receive $1,345,000 for projects across the region. They are:

• $311,000 to upgrade Maple Street in Maleny;


• $296,000 towards the Nambour Streetscape Hub project;


• $296,000 to build the Peregian Beach Community House;


• $246,000 to construct a walkway and cycleway along the Noosa River between Noosaville and Tewantin; and


• $196,000 to refurbish the Cotton Tree Park Shelter in Maroochydore.

I am pleased to be able to approve funding so quickly for the Sunshine Coast. Without federal funding these projects would have remained in the "too hard" basket.

Investing in local projects is a great way to generate construction activity and support local jobs.

It will also deliver infrastructure to make the Sunshine Coast an even better place to live, work and raise a family.

Councils around Australia have submitted more than 3,600 projects under the first round of the Community Infrastructure Program, and the Rudd Government is getting on with the job of rolling out projects in local communities.