Geelong will get more funding to improve its local roads thanks to the federal government.
The City of Greater Geelong Council will receive close to an additional $130 million during the second part of phase four of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
Mayor Trent Sullivan said the additional funding would relieve some of the council’s budget pressure.
“The funding will give us an opportunity to deliver important road and community facilities improvements,” he said.
“This could include allocating funding to projects that have been placed on hold as part of our proposed budget due to cost escalations.”
Rural Councils Victoria (RCV) chair Mary-Ann Brown said the federal government’s extra funding announcement for rural, regional and outer-urban road projects was “fantastic news”.
“Good quality roads improve road safety and cut transportation and vehicle repair costs for farmers and other businesses,” she said.
“It’s helping make food and other goods cheaper for consumers, especially at a time of high inflation.
“This funding will help councils provide better road infrastructure for rural communities, tourists, farmers, transportation, and other businesses that provide food and other goods needed by those living in our cities.”
Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Minister Catherine King said the government was committed to prioritising road upgrades in vital areas across Australia.
“We know many councils across the country are struggling to maintain and improve their local road networks,” she said.
“We have listened to councils and are standing side-by-side with local governments to support them in their vital role in delivering critical infrastructure for their communities.”
The recent funding will be added to the City of Greater Geelong Council’s current close to $220 million, bringing the total amount received by the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program to more than $340 million.
