Minister for Infrastructure and Local Government Anthony Albanese and Sports Minister Kate Ellis have announced the Rudd Labor Government will offer up to $2.75 million towards the Woodlark Street upgrade to revitalise Lismore's CBD on the NSW North Coast.

Minister Ellis made the announcement with Member for Page, Ms Janelle Saffin, and Mayor of Lismore, Ms Jenny Dowell.

Lismore City Council has been working on the project for eight years.

The Rudd Government is providing more than half of the total $4.5 million project. This funding is part of our $800 million Community Infrastructure Program - the largest one-off investment in local infrastructure in Australia's history.

Through the Rudd Government's economic stimulus package, we are investing in major projects to support local jobs and economies during the global recession.

Federal funding will provide financial support to:

•  Create community market areas;


•  Install garden beds, shading and public seating for the elderly, street furniture, litter bins and public art;


•  Improve traffic flow and access to car parking;


•  Provide infrastructure for local tourist attractions including the Café and the Culture Trail and Wilsons River Redevelopment;


•  Link parks and gardens via walking and bicycle tracks;


•  Improve stormwater drainage; and


•  Improve disabled access and widening of the footpaths for all pedestrians.

This is about working together to improve the CBD of Lismore and provide infrastructure for businesses and the community.

It is also about creating opportunities for businesses to encourage visitors and community members to shop and work locally.

The funding announced today builds on the $1.05 million we have already delivered for 30 local community projects in the City of Lismore.

Nearly 70 per cent of the stimulus package is infrastructure, with construction projects already underway. More than 3,000 projects are being funded by the Government's Community Infrastructure Program across Australia to support jobs and deliver long-term benefits in communities.