JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
THE HON CATHERINE KING MP, MINISTER FOR INFRASTRUCTURE, TRANSPORT, REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
THE HON SHAYNE NEUMANN MP, FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BLAIR
The Albanese Government has announced two new grant programs to fund local community infrastructure projects.
The $200 million Thriving Suburbs program will restore transparency and integrity to grants programs for suburban communities, after almost a decade of secret projects and closed programs under the former Coalition Government.
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King said suburban communities had not had an open and transparent grants program for many years.
“Australia’s cities and suburbs are excellent places to live, and Thriving Suburbs will help make them even better.
“The Albanese Labor Government is introducing grants programs for regional and suburban Australia that have transparent, rigorous and consistent guidelines.
“This is a significant improvement on programs run by the previous government where the Liberals and Nationals did not adhere to guidelines, and directed funding towards their own seats,” Minister King said.
Thriving Suburbs will support priority community infrastructure in cities and urban centres, including sporting infrastructure, arts and cultural upgrades, new or improved open space and community hubs.
The program will be complemented by the $150 million Urban Precincts and Partnerships Program, which will see the Commonwealth partner with community organisations, local government, and state and territory governments to fund projects which transform our cities and urban centres.
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said he welcomed the announcement of the new grant programs in the Budget, which will both cover his entire electorate, including the Somerset Region.
“I’m pleased the Australian Government is delivering new opportunities for our suburban, and regional and rural communities with these two programs, which will help our local community reach its full potential.
“Thriving Suburbs and Urban Precincts and Partnerships will support the infrastructure needs of Ipswich, the Somerset and Karana Downs area, from sports, community and cultural upgrades to new precincts that transform our suburbs.
“I have discussed these programs with the Mayors of Ipswich City Council and Somerset Regional Council, and I’m keen to work with them to secure funding for local projects,” Mr Neumann said.
Guidelines for both programs will be developed over coming months. More information is available here: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/cities
Eligibility for these programs is based on the Greater Capital City Statistical Area (GCCSA) boundaries as defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
The project eligibility mapping tool is available here: https://spatial.infrastructure.gov.au/portal/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=2425744264694ba8a22f35311863a00e&_ga=2.147153712.628758932.1684133279-769143907.1684133279
Minister King said the Albanese Government was also undertaking a review of the broader Infrastructure Investment Program to consider how the Commonwealth can further support local councils through much needed road funding programs, such as the Roads to Recovery Program and Black Spot Program.
“We know how important these programs are to local communities, especially in our regions, and the Government is committed to ensuring these programs continue to deliver for communities in the best way possible over the long term.
“We ensured the continuity of these programs by providing $760 million in the 2023-24 Budget for the Roads to Recovery Program, Black Spot Program, Bridges Renewal Program, and Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program.
“Other initiatives include $43.6 million to deliver the National Road Safety Action Grants Program, building on the Government’s commitment to improve road safety for all Australians,” she said.
