The Victorian Government has announced regional and rural councils will share in over $100 million for vital infrastructure in the first allocation round of the Local Government Infrastructure Program (LGIP).

 

The funding will be distributed amongst 48 regional and rural councils to support the construction and development of key local infrastructure priorities.

 

"The program is supporting local council initiatives to upgrade vital infrastructure including roads and bridges, as well as supporting the development of new or improved facilities such as halls and theatres, sporting grounds, grandstands, pools and libraries,” Acting Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan said.

 

"The distribution of funds is based on a fair and equitable formula designed in consultation with the Municipal Association of Victoria, Regional Cities Victoria, Rural Councils Victoria, Regional Development Australia Committee chairs and the Victorian Grants Commission," Mr Ryan said.

 

Examples of projects nominated by councils include:

  • $500,000 to the City of Greater Geelong to revitalise laneways in the CBD;
  • $1.2 million to the City of Ballarat to replace Magpie Bridge;
  • $350,000 to Central Goldfields Shire Council to install an air handling system at the Maryborough Sports and Fitness Centre;
  • $2 million towards the Bendigo Library Redevelopment project. 

 

The funding forms part of the Stat Government’s $1 billion Regional Growth Fund.

 

The full funding list can be found here