Photo caption: Dubbo Regional Council Mayor Mathew Dickerson and Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton inspecting the progress of infrastructure upgrades currently taking place at the Old Dubbo Gaol Heritage Plaza, thanks to $400,000 in funding provided through Phase 3 of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program.

The Liberal and Nationals Government is investing $4,292,996 million in priority projects for Dubbo Regional Council, supporting local jobs, businesses and the resilience of local economies to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Made possible under the third phase of the Australian Government’s $2.5 billion Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program, projects to be delivered in the Parkes electorate by Dubbo Regional Council include:

• $1,500,000 for Wheelers Lane Road rehabilitation works
• $400,000 for the construction of an elevated substation platform at the Ollie Robbins Oval event precinct
• $250,000 for wayfinding signage along the Tracker Riley Walkway and Riverside Path network
• $400,000 for infrastructure upgrades at the Old Dubbo Gaol Heritage Plaza

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said the funding provides the opportunity for Dubbo Regional Council to complete a number of key projects that will provide lasting benefits.

“With the challenges presented by COVID-19, bushfires, floods and the drought, the past couple of years have been tough for communities, businesses and local councils,” Mr Coulton said.

“That’s why we have moved quickly to approve funding for these projects in Dubbo, paving the way for shovels to hit the dirt to make them a reality.

“This will provide a vital boost for Dubbo, backing local jobs and economic growth while delivering important projects that will benefit residents for years to come.”

Mayor of Dubbo Regional Council Mathew Dickerson said the contributions from the government are instrumental when delivering improvements for the community.

“The continued support and contributions from the Federal Government allows council to deliver the infrastructure and service levels our community has come to expect and value,” Mr Dickerson said.

“I’d like to thank Mr Coulton and his government for this latest round of funding opportunities that will make our region a better place.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said $1 billion in funding is flowing under the third phase of the LRCI program to local councils across Australia to improve their local road networks and deliver priority community infrastructure projects.

“This builds on the $1.5 billion already approved to deliver more than 6,100 projects nationwide under the first two phases of the program,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“This program is having a significant impact across the country, with more than 2,000 projects already complete or under construction – delivering upgrades to local roads, bike paths, community halls, playgrounds, parks and sports facilities, as well as improved accessibility to public facilities.

“Phase 3 will build on this, delivering more jobs, more economic stimulus, and more of the local priority projects that communities need and deserve.”

Assistant Minister for Local Government Kevin Hogan said the program forms part of the Liberal and Nationals unwavering commitment to back local councils and their communities through COVID-19 and secure a stronger future out the other side of the pandemic.

“We want to deliver the best outcomes for locals under this program, which is why we have listened and acted on council feedback, providing a longer delivery window for local governments to pursue larger, more complex projects that may be a higher priority and have a bigger impact on the community,” Assistant Minister Hogan said.

“We also get councils to use local businesses and workforces to deliver these projects as much as possible, ensuring this stimulus flows directly into the hands of hard-working Aussies, their families, their businesses and their communities.

“I look forward to seeing more projects get underway and supporting jobs and communities at this critical time.”

For more information on the $2.5 billion LRCI program, including the allocations for the $1 billion third phase, visit https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/local-roads-and-community-infrastructure/.