The Federal Government is set to deliver a $6.6 million funding boost to the Lake Macquarie City Council as part of a partnership to advance targeted road improvements.
Lake Macquarie City Council will receive $15.4 million in Roads to Recovery (RTR) funding over the next five years thanks to the boost.
The increased funding paves the way for new priority projects, including:
- Elizabeth Parade, Charlestown – rehabilitation of the road, construction of new footpath and associated drainage replacement/upgrades. This $3,714,000 project is receiving $344,973 in funding from Roads to Recovery. The balance of the project will be funded by Lake Macquarie City Council’s Asset Replacement Reserve.
- Gardiner Road, Dora Creek – road replacement with associated footpath and drainage replacement/upgrades. This $1,934,139 project is being funded by Roads to Recovery.
This funding boost is part of the Federal Government progressively doubling RTR from $500 million to $1 billion per year.
The Road Black Spot program is also increasing to $150 million per year, and the government has established the $200 million Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program – programs that will also support local councils to improve their local road networks.
Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain, said that when Federal and Local Government work together, it results in better outcomes for communities.
“Which is why the Federal Government has increased the funding available to local councils to support the continued delivery of their targeted road improvements,” Minister McBain said.
“Our local road networks are under more demand as communities grow, which is why we’re working with councils to make them safer, and to reduce their long-term maintenance.”
Member for Shortland, Pat Conroy, said that without funding increases from the Federal Government, local projects around Lake Macquarie wouldn’t get off the ground.
“This $15.4 million in Roads to Recovery funding over the next five years, including the $6.6 million boost, will ensure that we continue to build a better future in the Shortland electorate and deliver what our community deserves,” Mr Conroy said.
“I’ll continue to work with our local community to advocate for projects that will support local jobs, boost liveability, and stimulate our economy.”
Member for Hunter, Dan Repacholi, said that this funding boost will allow Lake Macquarie City Council to make real progress on some of its most-needed road upgrades.
“The projects on Elizabeth Parade and Gardiner Road are prime examples of how this funding is going to make a tangible difference for the people of Lake Macquarie,” Mr Repacholi said.
“Every dollar we invest in our local roads is a dollar invested in our community’s future.
“With this $15.4 million in Roads to Recovery funding, including the $6.6 million increase, we’re creating safer, smoother roads that better serve the people of the Hunter region.
“I’m proud to stand with the Federal Government in delivering these improvements that will directly benefit our residents and support local jobs.”
Lake Macquarie Council Mayor, Adam Shultz, welcomed the $15.4 million in Roads to Recovery funding from the Federal Government, saying that it will strengthen council’s capacity to deliver priority road improvements across Lake Macquarie.
“Lake Macquarie City Council will continue to work with the community to progress projects – such as critical road upgrades like Elizabeth Parade in Charlestown and Gardiner Road in Dora Creek – that will have a lasting impact on the lives of everyone who lives and works in Lake Macquarie and our visitors from near and far.”
