HUGH SCHUITEMAKER and JOSH BRINE
MORE than $2 million of infrastructure funding under a Federal Government program will be aimed at generating “local stimulus” for all four Riverland councils.
The Federal Government last week announced the four Riverland councils would share more than $2.1 million of funding under the Local Road and Community Infrastructure initiative, while also receiving early payments of the 2020/21 Financial Assistance Grants.
District Council of Loxton Waikerie CEO David Beaton said the funding would be directed toward infrastructure projects that supported local employment.
“It’s a great opportunity for council to try and put something into the community that can lead to local stimulus,” Mr Beaton said.
“The Federal Government recognises local government always has lots of projects they can do.
“They are able to get that money out into the community quickly, and we don’t put any extra costs on top.
“Hopefully that will allow us to support local businesses as well, depending on what we might do with it.
“It seems similar to the drought program we’ve had from the Commonwealth Government, which is about local stimulus and local jobs, so we’ve got to work on something that can do that.”
Renmark Paringa Mayor Neil Martinson said the grant could help improve local roads for heavy vehicle use.
“Council appreciates the Federal Government is providing extra money to local government, and now councils will need to work out what we intend to do with that,” Mr Martinson said.
“We’ve been working with the Murraylands and Riverland Local Government Association to look at heavy vehicle access.
“Council will have to decide whether we want to use the current funding we have now… which is still a bonus for councils and local government.”
Berri Barmera CEO Karyn Burton said council would consider using its funding share for upgrades to the Colin Jennings Apex Park.
“Council have to give direction on where they think allocating the money would be best,” she said.
“One possible place the money could be spent is the scheduled upgrade for the Colin Jennings Apex Park, but council are yet to decide on that.
“We are grateful for the Federal Government for providing this funding that will help the council to stimulate the local economy.”
Mid Murray Council CEO Ben Scales said the funding would help Riverland communities recover from financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As we begin the recovery from COVID-19 stimulating the local economy is vitally important and Mid Murray Council acknowledges the support of the Federal Government and Member for Barker Tony Pasin,” Mr Scales said.
“(The) program will enable Council to deliver a project or projects that will directly benefit the community and also the local economy.
“Given the timing of the announcement of the funding program, consideration will be given at the June Council meeting to where the funding will be invested to deliver the best outcomes.”
Member for Barker Tony Pasin said projects funded through the program would have positive effects on the surrounding communities.
“Every single job we support makes a huge difference in our local communities, now and as we navigate out of the coronavirus pandemic,” Mr Pasin said.
“Not only will this package support jobs, construction businesses and the economy across Barker, it will improve our local roads and provide for new and upgraded amenities to help communities stay connected.
“I will be working closely with councils to make sure projects get under way to support jobs and businesses as soon as possible.”