New year new infrastructure

Moira Shire Council was advised in October last year that its allocation under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCIP) Phase three is $5,089,786.

$1,275 million of the funds have been allocated through the 2021-22 budget process and the remaining funds are now to be allocated to allow planning and complete projects as soon as possible after the funding becomes available on January 1.

As part of the COVID stimulus package, the Federal Government announced two rounds of LRCIP funding, Phase one of $500 million and Phase two, $1 billion nationally.

Council’s allocation for Phase one was $2.544million and Phase two, $2.483 million. Each round is expected to be acquitted within 12 months with Phase one due to be acquitted at the end of June, 2021 and Phase two acquitted at the end of December, 2022.

Cr Ed Cox said it was great to see a number of projects within the moira region being accepted for further funding.

“This whole funding program has been welcomed and the projects which have been selected are well deserving,” Cr Cox said.

“I fully support this motion and I am pleased to be a part of these projects receiving funding.”

Cr Peter Lawless was also pleased with the distribution of the funding for projects.

“The funds have gone all across the shire, not just the main towns which is great to see.”

Cr Elliott added to Cr Lawless’ comments saying “the table of projects that can be funded is quite broad.”

Projects selected for this funding need to be almost ready to go, in that design should be substantially complete, and permit processes either completed or not required. The funding criteria allows council to fund drainage projects which do not generally attract grant funding, an opportunity too good to pass over.