Local governments across Australia will bank $575 million in untied Australian Government grants as part of the next payment of the Financial Assistance Grant programme.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said the Financial Assistant Grant programme will provide $9.3 billion to local governments from 2014-15 to 2018-19, $2.3 billion in 2014-15 alone.
“This third quarterly payment of $575 million brings the Coalition Government’s support for local government in this financial year, under this the Financial Assistance Grant Programme alone, to $1.725 billion, with more to come.
“This is much-needed financial help for local councils and the communities they serve.
“It is tangible Australian Government recognition of the vital connection local councils have in meeting local community needs.
“Importantly, these Australian Government funds come with no strings attached.
“This allows councils to identify and invest in local priorities, delivering a range of community benefits, such as infrastructure, health, recreation, environment and employment projects.
“Local governments are the closest tier of government to their community, so their service delivery is crucial to the social and economic development of local communities and, indeed, entire regions.
“Along with funding under the Australian Government’s $2.1 billion Roads to Recovery programme, $500 million Black Spot Programme and the $300 million Bridges Renewal programmes, we are getting behind local communities and backing local families and businesses for growth and prosperity.”
