The Rudd Labor Government has today approved more than $1 million to build community infrastructure in Townsville– as part of our investment to supports jobs and boost the local economy.

Minister Albanese was in Townsville today with Mayor Les Tyrell to announce the funding from the Government’s $800 million Community Infrastructure Program.

Townsville City Council will receive $1,057,000 for critical local projects. They are:

• $697,000 to build a 2.5 metre-wide pedestrian pathway on Hervey Range Road to provide a safe route for large numbers of pedestrians to access Dairy Farmers Stadium; and


• $360,000 for a sustainable building refit of the Council Administration Building (Town Hall), including energy and water saving measures.

I am pleased to be able to approve funding so quickly for Townsville. Without federal funding, these projects would have remained in the ‘too-hard’ basket.

The Community Infrastructure Program is aimed squarely at stimulating local economies and helping communities respond to the global financial crisis.

Investing in local projects is a great way to generate construction activity and provide much-needed infrastructure to local communities.

The Rudd Government was determined to act decisively with local communities to support jobs and improve the quality of local infrastructure.

We are delivering the $800 million for community infrastructure in two components:

• $250 million to be shared between all councils and shires; and


• $550 million to be allocated through competitive grants.

Today’s funding is part of the $250 million component, under which councils and shires submitted more than 3,600 projects. And the Rudd Government has already begun rolling out projects in local communities.

Townsville City Council will receive a contract shortly. I encourage them to sign and return it as quickly as possible so funds can be released.