The funding is made up of $250 million proportionately allocated to every council and $50 million for strategic projects.
Application forms for the $50 million Strategic Projects component are now available for projects seeking a minimum Commonwealth contribution of $2 million. Complete applications must reach the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government by 23 December 2008.
For the $310,000, Councils then have until 30 January 2009 to return documentation and to stipulate that the identified projects are ready to proceed and are additional to current operating budgets. Funding will start to be released shortly afterwards. Council will need to expend those funds by 30 September.
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Anthony Albanese, said that “this is about making sure the infrastructure projects get approved and underway, stimulating the local economy, supporting jobs and providing worthwhile projects that improve the quality of life in local communities.”
President of the Local Government Association, Cr Genia McCaffery says the program will see local councils deliver long-awaited infrastructure projects and upgrades to their communities.
"The Associations have been calling for a community infrastructure fund for a number of years, and with a $7.8 billion infrastructure backlog in NSW, the program is definitely a positive step forward," said Cr McCaffery.
Some examples of community infrastructure that would be eligible include social and cultural infrastructure, such as town halls, community centres, libraries, parks, public squares, sport and recreation facilities, tourism infrastructure, and access facilities, such as footbridges, bus shelters, and boat ramps.
Councils would be required to submit proposals that meet the program's guidelines in order to claim their allocation.
President of the Shires Association, Cr Bruce Miller expects to see the program extended into the next Federal Budget. "An ongoing commitment to the program is essential for councils to strategically plan for future infrastructure and will help address the annual $500 million infrastructure funding gap."
"The $8 million funding for a Centre of Excellence for Local Government also announced today is another positive step forward for local government, and will play a crucial role in enhancing the performance of local councils" said Miller.
The President of the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), Cr Paul Bell, also welcomed the Government's commitment to constitutional recognition and statements by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Anthony Albanese on working together to achieve this long-cherished goal for local government. "I look forward to ALGA's Constitutional Summit in Melbourne on December 8-11 to establish a unified local government position on the main options for recognition - symbolic, institutional and financial recognition," he said.
Other local councils in the region will receive Local Community Infrastructure Program funding of: Bega Valley $1,043,000, Bombala $100,000, Cooma-Monaro $410,000, Eurobodalla $1,040,000, Queanbeyan $721,000, Snowy River $372,000, Tumbarumba $100,000, and Tumut $402,000.
Member for Eden Monaro Dr Mike Kelly said with the second instalment of Financial Assistance Grants plus the infrastructure funding Palerang would receive $616,220 in total.
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