The Morrison Government has approved funding for 4 projects as part of its $1.5 billion Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program, which is supporting local jobs, businesses and boosting the economy during COVID-19.
Senator for New South Wales Jim Molan said getting shovels in the ground on local construction projects was important for maintaining jobs and economic growth in Dobell.
“Every single job we support makes a huge difference in our local community, now and as we build our way out of the pandemic,” Senator Molan said.
“That is why we have moved quickly to approve funding to flow to 4 projects.
“Not only will this new program support jobs, construction businesses and economic growth across Dobell, it will also improve road safety and bolster the resilience of our local road networks, helping Australians get home sooner and safer.
“We will work closely with our local councils in Dobell to ensure local projects get underway and supporting jobs and businesses as soon as possible.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said almost 5,000 projects have already been nominated under the program with around $450 million paid to councils across Australia
“Our funding boost is helping 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.
“We are moving decisively to deliver the support councils and communities need to get through this pandemic and get back on their feet. Under the program, Councils have already nominated almost 5,000 projects with construction to be completed by the end of this year.”
In May 2020, the Morrison 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 infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure_investment/local-roads-community-infrastructure-program.
Full list of projects in Dobell
| Council/Eligible Funding Recipient | Project Category | Description of project and works proposed | Problem being addressed | Date construction commence | Date construction completed | Total project cost | LRCI Program Funding |
| Central Coast Council | Community infrastructure | Shared Pathway along Pacific Highway, Lake Munmorah | Bicycle and Walking Paths – Works involving cycling and pedestrian infrastructure | Apr-21 | Jun-21 | 443,032 | 110,758 |
| Central Coast Council (NSW) | Road | New carpark on the existing grassed area at the frontage of Lake Munmorah High School. | Carters Road has two primary schools, two high schools, a preschool. With the local area having a growing population and only one way in and out along Carters Road, a traffic solution is needed in this education precinct. The morning and afternoon peak hours cause congestion with an influx of parents/carer givers dropping off and picking up students. | Mar-21 | Jun-21 | 900,000 | 900,000 |
| Central Coast Council (NSW) | Community infrastructure | Construction Stage 1 of shared pathway along Malinya Road for a length of approximately 320 metres. | The aim of this project is to provide a dedicated off-road route for pedestrians and cyclists. The construction of this missing link would complete the connection from Davistown to Kincumber. | Feb-21 | Jun-21 | 911,892 | 911,892 |
| Central Coast Council (NSW) | Community infrastructure | Upgrade of Narara District Skate Park | The Narara District Skate Park will service the Gosford Central and Narara Valley and Ourimbah social planning precincts which are inclusive of 8,263 young people. Consultation undertaken throughout the development of the Central Coast Youth Strategy identified that young people are concerned about their own and other young people’s mental health along with their physical health and are worried about the increasing numbers of young people who are overweight and obese.The provision of no cost recreation opportunities such as the proposed upgraded Narara District Skate Park will provide equitable access for all ages to develop physical, emotional, social and cognitive skills. Providing free active facilities helps combat obesity and allows socialisation opportunities for young people from all demographics and socio-economic backgrounds to engage in an unprejudiced environment resulting in improved behavioural development and social integration.The ability to stage low cost or no cost skate events and programs at the upgraded facility will also create an avenue to increase social connectedness and inclusion leading to enhanced positive relationships between community members and a decrease in anti-social behaviours. |
Feb-21 | Jun-21 | 960,000 | 960,000 |