Media Releases
Tuesday, 7th July 2009
The Rudd Labor Government has delivered nearly $113 million in early Financial Assistance Grants payments to Victorian councils to help them deal with the local impacts of the global economic recession.
Anthony Albanese, Minister for Local Government, today announced the value of the grant that had been brought forward for every one of the 79 councils in Victoria.
Details of payments are available at http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/local/assistance/pdf/Vic_StateSummary_09-10.pdf
This measure builds on more than $1 billion in new funding that the Government is providing to stimulate local economies through the Community Infrastructure Program.
Local communities are feeling the impacts of the global recession with rising unemployment and slowing economies.
As a result, local councils have seen growing demand for community services and infrastructure.
The Rudd Government is taking decisive action to help local communities by bringing forward the 2009-10 first quarter Financial Assistance Grants.
Victoria's 79 councils will be able to spend these funds on a range of priorities including local roads, parks and pools, libraries, community centres, health and child care services.
The grant allocation is determined independently and is untied so that councils can spend them in accordance with local priorities.
Local councils are not only critical to maintaining vibrant local communities but make a vital contribution to the nation's productivity.
We also understand how important the grants are for rural and regional councils, where these funds can comprise more than half of council revenue.
Grants to individual councils were recommended by the Victorian Local Government Grants Commission, a body established under Victorian legislation for the purpose of determining the distribution of the grants to councils in Victoria.
The remaining 2009-10 Financial Assistance Grants payments will be made in the usual manner.
Electorate Office
334a Marrickville Rd
Marrickville NSW 2204
Phone: 02 9564 3588
Parliament House Office
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Phone: 02 6277 7700
Electorate Office
334a Marrickville Rd
Marrickville NSW 2204
Phone: 02 9564 3588
Parliament House Office
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Phone: 02 6277 7700
Phone: (02) 9564 3588
Fax: (02) 9564 1734
Email: A.Albanese.MP@aph.gov.au
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which our offices stand and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge the sorrow of the Stolen Generations and the impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We also recognise the resilience, strength and pride of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Authorised by Anthony Albanese. 334a Marrickville Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204.