Anthony Albanese, Minister for Infrastructure and Local Government, and Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities, Bill Shorten, have announced that the Rudd Government would offer more than $3.3 million to refurbish Woodville Town Hall in Adelaide.

Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities Bill Shorten announced the funding yesterday with the Member for Port Adelaide, Mark Butler, and City of Charles Sturt Mayor, Harold Anderson.

The Rudd Government is investing in community infrastructure to support jobs and stimulate local economies during the global economic recession.

This $3.66 million project is part of the City of Charles Sturt’s plan to revitalise Woodville Road and its civic and community precincts, and establish a local sense of community.

It will provide a modern town hall, which is easily accessible for all residents and visitors, in particular, people with a disability, young families and senior citizens,

The Woodville Town Hall was built in 1927 and is the main community hall for the City of Charles Sturt’s 104,000 residents.

This heritage listed building does not comply either with the Disability Discrimination Act or the Building Code of Australia. It limits the ability of many local residents to even access the building.

Federal funding will contribute to works, which are planned to include:

•  Installation of a lift to the first floor to improve access;


•  Replacement of eroded window sills, door frames, timber floors, town hall seats, and re-laying of parapet stones;


•  Installation of air conditioning throughout the whole building, fire sprinklers, low energy lighting, emergency warning system and wiring; and


•  Upgrades and repairs to the memorial clock, amenities, and balcony balustrades.

The Rudd Government’s funding is part of the $800 million Community Infrastructure Program – the largest one-off investment in local infrastructure in Australia's history.

This funding builds on more than $385,000 that the Rudd Government has already delivered for four local projects this year.

Nearly 70 per cent of the stimulus package is infrastructure, with construction projects already underway. More than 3,000 projects are being funded through the Government’s Community Infrastructure Program across Australia to support local jobs.