The Federal Liberal and Nationals Government has approved $1.54 million in funding for four road upgrades in the southern and central Sunshine Coast as part of its Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program. These road upgrades will improve safety in Conondale, Glenview, Mooloolaba and Golden Beach, as well as supporting local jobs and boosting the economy during COVID-19.
Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace said getting shovels in the ground on
“Every single job we support makes a huge difference in our local community, now and as we Mr Wallace said.
“That is why we have moved quickly to approve funding to flow to these four projects.” he said.
The upgrades include $670,000 to replace a single lane timber bridge on Eastern Mary River Road between Conondale and Cambroon with a reinforced concrete alternative; $800,000 to widen and reseal Glenview Road between Evans Grove Road and Tolson Road; as well as funding for new pathways from Neerim Drive to Brisbane Road in Mooloolaba, and on Carmel Street in Golden Beach.
“Not only will this new program support jobs, construction businesses and economic growth across the Sunshine Coast, it will also improve road safety and bolster the resilience of our local road networks in four local communities, helping Sunshine Coast residents get home sooner and safer.”
“We will work closely with Sunshine Coast Council to ensure these local projects get underway and supporting jobs and businesses as soon as possible.” Mr Wallace said.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the projects funded under the Program will improve the quality of life of Australians and have lasting economic and social benefits for local communities.
“Our funding boost will help communities across Australia accelerate priority projects to get people into jobs and stimulate our economy,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“We know how important our support is to communities who have faced the combined effects of drought, bushfires and now COVID-19, which is why we are backing projects to create employment and business opportunities while cutting travel times, as well as making our roads and communities safer.
“Having only announced the program in late May, we are moving decisively to deliver the support councils and communities need to get through this pandemic and get back on their feet.”
In May 2020, the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government also pre-paid $1.3 billion of this year’s Financial Assistance Grant to provide untied funding for all local councils across Australia to spend on local priorities.
More information on the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program is available at investment.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure_investment/local-roads-community-infrastructure-program.
