21 May 2009

Peter Garrett AM
Federal Member for Kingsford Smith
Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts

Botany Bay and Randwick councils will receive funding from the Rudd Labor Government’s $300 million infrastructure stimulus package to help local communities respond to the global financial crisis.

Botany Bay City Council will be offered $218,000 and Randwick City Council $452,000 this financial year. Both councils will also be eligible to apply, on a competitive basis, for larger projects seeking a minimum Commonwealth contribution of $2 million or more.

The funding was announced by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd as part of the Community Infrastructure Program at the Australian Council of Local Government meeting in Canberra this week.

“This will provide some welcome relief for our communities who are feeling the pinch of the global financial crisis,” Peter Garrett, the Federal Member for Kingsford Smith, said.
“We welcome this funding. This program is an effective way to build community infrastructure and shows great co-operation between two tiers of government. I congratulate Mr Rudd, Mr Albanese and Mr Garrett,” said Mr Ron Hoenig, Mayor of the City of Botany Bay.

“It’s extremely encouraging to see the important role of local councils being recognised by the Federal Government. Local councils have greater access to the community and their needs than any other level of government and the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program will be a great boost to important infrastructure projects in Randwick City. I will discuss with my fellow councillors the best use of the funds, following the release of the Program’s guidelines,” said Bruce Notley-Smith, Mayor of Randwick.

It is an initial down-payment on the Rudd Government’s plans to meet urgent needs in communities and create long-term infrastructure. Ongoing funding will be delivered in the May 2009 Budget following consultation with local government.

This down-payment will be delivered in record time – by 30 June 2009.

The $300 million will be delivered in two parts:

• a $250 million fund offered to all councils and shires, and
• a competitive $50 million fund for projects seeking $2 million or more.
  

Preference will be given to local projects that can start immediately to stimulate economic development and improve the quality of life in local communities.

“This is our opportunity to get moving on those important local projects – things like our community centres, swimming pools and sports grounds,” Mr Garrett said.

“We want projects that stimulate local economies in the short-term; support jobs in local communities; and provide practical community infrastructure for the long-term.”

Local councils need to begin preparatory work quickly to secure funding as soon as possible. Guidelines for applications and timetables would be released shortly by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.