LOCAL councils are set to get a multi-million-dollar funding boost as part of a federal government cash splash of $500 million.
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More than $11 million will flow to councils across the New England and the funding will go towards road and community infrastructure, as part of the Commonwealth's coronavirus stimulus measures.
Tamworth mayor Col Murray welcomed the $2.6m announcement and said the funding would provide many opportunities.
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"There's been two packages talked about this morning [Friday]," Cr Murray told the Leader.
"The first one was $1.8 million, which is essentially next year's money being brought forward a year early, which is great from a cash-flow perspective.
"Also, there is a $500 million package across all 537 local governments in Australia and it's a really welcome one because it's for roads and community infrastructure."
New England MP Barnaby Joyce said Tamworth had the lions share for the region, while Armidale would collect almost $1.5 million, Inverell $1.4m, while more than $1m would also flow to Gwydir, Upper Hunter and Tenterfield Shire Councils.
Liverpool Plains and Glen Innes will receive more than $800,00 each, while Uralla and Walcha picked up more than $590,000 apiece.
"Not only will this package support jobs, construction businesses and the economy across our New England electorate, it will improve our local roads and provide for new and upgraded amenities to help communities stay connected," Mr Joyce said.
"Every single job we support makes a huge difference in our local communities, now and as we navigate out of the coronavirus pandemic.
"I will be working closely with councils to make sure projects get under way to support jobs and businesses as soon as possible."
Parkes MP and Minister for Local Government Mark Coulton said the program was similar to the Roads to Recovery program and would create many new jobs.
"COVID-19 is having an impact on every section of the country and local government is not immune," Mr Coulton said.
"This is real money to help councils deliver projects and create jobs for their local communities; as they are so good at doing."
Cr Murray said he was unsure what projects the council would be allowed to fund through the program.
"We haven't got the fine print yet and we don't quite understand what the details are," he said.
"However, we look forward to making applications to get our fair share.
"It's a very broad-brush program, which is great and it gives councils the opportunity to hit the notes the community is really keen on."
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
