Cobar Shire to get $1M funding

Cobar Shire Council is set to receive over $1million as part of the Federal Government’s boost for road and community projects that aim to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Council will workshop how their funding allocation of $1,085,211 can be put to best use.

The guidelines for where the grant can be spent include local road projects (constructing or upgrading bridges, street lighting, and heavy vehicle facilities such as rest areas) and on a broad range of community infrastructure projects such as new or upgraded bicycle and walking paths, community facilities, and picnic shelters and barbecue facilities at parks.

Federal Member for Parkes and Minister for Local Government Mark Coulton said the funding, which is part of the Federal Government’s $1.8billion investment, will support local jobs and businesses, and help boost local economies struggling with the effects of COVID-19.

“Every single job we support makes a huge difference in our local communities, now and as we navigate out of the Coronavirus pandemic,” Mr Coulton said.

“Not only will this package support jobs, construction businesses and the economy across the region, it will improve our local roads, and provide for new and upgraded amenities to help communities stay connected.

“I will be working alongside all Parkes electorate councils to make sure projects get underway to support jobs and businesses as soon as possible.”

The package included the establishment of a new $500million Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program, and the bringing forward of $1.3 billion of the 2020-21 Financial Assistance Grant payment.

The new Program is based on the successful Roads to Recovery program and will enable local councils to deliver priority projects with a focus on upgrades and maintenance to local roads and community infrastructure.