HUGH SCHUITEMAKER
and JOSH BRINE
PROJECTS to create new, and upgrade existing, roads and public infrastructure in the Riverland will benefit from a $4.3 million funding boost under the latest round of an ongoing grant program.
The Federal Government last week announced the three Riverland councils – and Mid Murray Council – would share more than $4.3 million in funding under phase 3 of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program.
Renmark Paringa CEO Tony Siviour said the surrounding community would directly benefit from improvements to local roads and infrastructure.
“With the support of our local Member for Barker, Tony Pasin, council has been advised of a two-year extension to the supplementary roads funding for South Australian councils, as well as a future round of the (LRCI) program,” Mr Siviour said.
“This is direct investment from the Federal Government into local roads and infrastructure projects which clearly they have seen the value in supporting, for which we are grateful.”
Berri Barmera CEO Karyn Burton said her council was also “grateful” for additional funding to assist with bigger capital projects.
“We haven’t yet put our minds to what of our projects from next year we will use it for, but council will discuss this in coming weeks,” she said.
“Having longer planning and delivery timeframes – compared to previous funding phases – are appreciated, as councils have really struggled to meet deadlines with the various stimulus programs with contractors and suppliers being so busy.”
Mr Pasin said the funding would support Riverland councils in delivering projects that boosted local employment.
“This Budget injection for local councils means even more funding for upgrades to local roads, bike paths, community halls, playgrounds, parks and sports facilities, as well as improved accessibility to public facilities,” Mr Pasin said.
“Providing more time for planning and construction will enable local governments to consider a broader range of priority projects and potentially undertake larger, more complex developments to deliver even great benefits for their communities.
“This is all about supporting the resilience of local economies by delivering even more jobs to help communities bounce back from COVID-19, with the additional funding and a longer delivery window to provide greater flexibility for communities to address local priorities.
“Local governments play a critical role in delivering vital local services for communities.”
The Gerard Reserve Council is also set to receive $204,874 through phase 3 of the initiative.
Ms Burton said Berri Barmera Council would work with the Gerard community to identify and assist with delivering a project using the additional funding.
Councils will be able to access funding through phase 3 of the LRCI from January 1, 2022, with projects needing to be completed by June 30, 2023.