Commonwealth to spend $67.4 million to support Victorian Councils

The Australian Government will provide $67.4 million for Councils in Victoria. This is the second quarterly instalment for 2015–16 under the local government Financial Assistance Grant programme.

Total national spending by the Australian Government in 2015–16 under the Financial Assistance Grants programme will be $2.3 billion. This includes $1.1 billion that was paid early on 30 June 2015.

Minister for Major Projects, Territories and Local Government Paul Fletcher said Councils are free to spend this money in the way they judge best meets the need of their community.

“The Turnbull Government believes that Canberra doesn’t always know best,” Mr Fletcher said. 

“The Councillors and management of a local council know what their community’s priorities are.

“These funds will be allocated for many different purposes by different councils – roads, kindergartens, libraries, infrastructure and many other priorities.”

Mr Fletcher said councils can also access a range of other Australian Government programmes for funding, including the Roads to Recovery programme, which has more than $1 billion allocated across Australia in 2015–16.

“Councils can also apply for funding under the Bridges Renewal Programme, the National Stronger Regions Fund, the Black Spot Programme and the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Programme,” Mr Fletcher said.

“In 2015-16, total Commonwealth funding to Victorian councils under the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Programme, the Bridges Renewal Programme, the National Stronger Regions Fund and the Community Development Grants Programme will reach $27 million and the Victorian Black Spot and Roads to Recovery allocations will total over $242 million.

“These large allocations reflect factors such as Roads to Recovery Funding being almost tripled over the two years beginning 2015–16,” Mr Fletcher said.

More information about the Financial Assistance Grant programme, including funding being made to individual local governing bodies, is online at: www.regional.gov.au/local/assistance/index.aspx.

Media Contact: Catherine McDonald 0447 066 213