Feb 17, 2010

Funds for community infrastructure on Eyre & Yorke peninsulas

The Hon Anthony Albanese MP

The Minister for Infrastructure, Transport,

Regional Development and Local Government

Leader of the House

Member for Grayndler

February 17 2010

The Rudd Labor Government has approved $597,000 for 13 ready-to-go community infrastructure projects across South Australia’s Eyre and Yorke Peninsulas to support local jobs today while delivering lasting benefits for the community.

Minister Anthony Albanese said that this funding would go towards projects across the region, including upgrades to the Whyalla Memorial Oval, refurbishments at Yorketown Town Hall and the Peterborough YMCA building as well as water conservation infrastructure in Cleve.

“All up, these projects are expected to support more than 60 jobs during construction.

“We will deliver this funding to the Northern Areas and Flinders Ranges Councils, the Corporation of the City of Whyalla and the District Councils of Cleve, Elliston, Lower Eyre Peninsula, Franklin Harbour, Peterborough and Yorke Peninsula through the second round of our Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program.

“Shortly I hope to announce funding for projects for other local governments in the region.

“In just over a year, this Program has delivered $1 billion to build and renew community facilities across Australia, making it the largest single investment in local infrastructure in the nation’s history.

“Already more than 3,300 community construction projects have either been completed or are underway through the first round.

“The funding announced today will keep more people working locally, to support the economy while building local infrastructure for the future.

“All of the projects announced today were put forward by the local councils as local community priorities, instead of being determined from Canberra.

“Many of these infrastructure projects have seen councils and community groups search for funding for years, sometimes decades. By letting local communities decide, the Rudd Government is helping turn the community’s vision into a reality.

“Across the country, the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program is funding local projects like sporting fields, swimming pools, libraries, community halls and water and energy saving facilities,” Mr Albanese concluded.

Further information is available at: http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/local/cip/index.aspx