Albury today celebrated the opening of five community infrastructure projects at their newly upgraded Mentoring and Manual Activity Centre.

The Rudd Labor Government provided $673,000 to the Albury City Council for the projects from the $1 billion Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program (RLCIP).

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Anthony Albanese said that the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program was a key part of the Economic Stimulus Plan and is delivering local jobs in communities across Australia by building infrastructure for the long term.

“These projects supported 33 local jobs during construction, representing a great boost for the local economy,” Mr Albanese said.

The projects included;

• The Mentoring and Manual Activity Centre Upgrade - This project involved extending the existing Mentoring and Manual Activity Centre (MAC) to create a metalwork facility.


• The Thurgoona Netball Courts - New netball courts and lighting have been installed at Thurgoona Oval — a key component of the master plan developed for the Thurgoona recreational reserve.


• The New Table Top Road Cycle and Walking Path - Approximately one kilometre of off-road, shared cycle/walking path was constructed along Table Top Road, Thurgoona. This expansion provides improved access to the Thurgoona Community Centre and Thurgoona Shopping Precinct for existing residents in St John’s Green, Kensington Gardens, The Elms and Huntingdale Estates.


• The Wood Fired Oven Upgrade - Fired up every second Sunday, the Albury Community Wood Fired Oven is a popular meeting place and is used by up to 100 locals each time it operates. This project involved the construction of a permanent shade and all-weather structure to ensure the oven can be used all year-round.


• Park Upgrade Program - This project involved the upgrade of five parks throughout Albury including the installation of new play equipment, park furniture, landscaping, bins, upgraded under-surfacing and signage.

Mr Albanese said that in partnership with every council in the country the Rudd Government is delivering more than 3,300 small and larger scale building projects like these, including new and refurbished public libraries, sporting facilities, parks and playgrounds, and child care centres.

“In fact, we’re making the single largest federal investment in community infrastructure in the nation’s history.

“The Program’s remaining $220 million will be made available to councils in coming months, with Albury City Council set to receive at least a further $459,000.

“This additional funding will support even more local jobs and rebuild even more of the nation’s vital community infrastructure,” Mr Albanese said.

Minister Albanese congratulated the Albury City Council and the local community for getting behind these important projects and helping to build a stronger region for the future.

Albury City Mayor Alice Glachan was on hand with local metal working enthusiasts and Councillors to inspect the new metal working space at the Mentoring and Manual Activity Centre and display some of the work they’ve created.

Cr Glachan said the RCLIP funding had made a valuable contribution to Albury’s economy and each of the projects would have a valuable longer term impact on the city.

“While the RCLIP funding has delivered wonderful economic benefits to Albury, in terms of supporting jobs, it has contributed much more than that. Each of the projects will work to further enhance the social fabric of our city, as they bring people together to enjoy healthy and constructive pursuits.”