Two councils in Western Australia are the latest to secure funding under the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program.
Through phase four of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program, the City of Wanneroo is receiving over $3.1 million for local priority projects.
This includes over $1.9 million for a new sports amenity building at Heath Park, which will include player changerooms, kitchen and kiosk facilities, public toilets and a multipurpose room.
With sport growing in Eglinton and across Pearce, this will ensure that players using the ovals have access to purpose-built facilities – with construction due for completion mid-2025.
Work is underway on road surface safety upgrades on Avery Street, Warman Street and Turnbull Road in Neerabup – due for completion mid-2025, and made possible by $1.1 million in funding.
With Hartman Drive one of Madeley’s busiest roads, the government is also investing $1.5 million towards a new shared pathway between Ocean Reef Road and Gnangara Road.
This will improve road safety, providing more space for cyclists and pedestrians – improving traffic flow and helping to ease congestion during peak times.
The Federal Government is also working with the Shire of Moora to improve the safety of local roads across the Northern Wheatbelt, with over $4.1 million in Roads to Recovery funding flowing to Council over the next five years, a boost of over $1.7 million.
This will pave the way for future priority projects, many of which will improve heavy vehicle access on the Shire’s rural roads.
$800,000 in phase four funding is also flowing to the Shire of Moora’s new childhood education and health centre.
The funding is kickstarting key works, including framing, electrical wiring, plumbing and hydraulic services, and air conditioning – along with upgrades to the access driveway and carpark facilities.
The 55-place centre – due for completion in early 2025 – will offer early childhood education care, before and after school programs, and a range of early intervention services; including learning and developmental delay assessments, vision services, hearing and speech services.
Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain, said that whether it’s improving ageing roads or delivering a much-needed repair to a sports amenity building, investing in local priority projects ensures the government continues to boost liveability, regardless of postcode.
“Communities in Pearce are growing, which is why the Federal Government has increased funding to make local roads safer, on top of our significant investments in region-shaping projects, such as the Alkimos Aquatic and Recreation Centre,” Ms McBain said.
Federal Member for Pearce, Tracey Roberts, said that without funding commitments from the Federal Government, many local projects across Pearce would not be possible, which is why she is very proud to have secured millions of dollars for the local community.
“We are also delivering increased funding to progress future priority projects, with $17 million in Roads to Recovery Funding flowing to the City of Wanneroo over the next five years to make our local roads safer – a boost of over $7.3 million thanks to the Federal Government.
“I will continue to work with our local community to advocate for projects that will support local jobs, boost liveability and stimulate the Pearce economy.”
Shire of Moora President, Tracy Lefroy, said that with the community calling on the Shire of Moora to provide more services than ever before, it is strengthening its partnership with the Federal Government to ensure that it can continue to deliver the projects locals want to get off the ground.
“With so much of our region reliant on the safe passage of heavy vehicles, the Roads to Recovery funding increase will make a significant impact in how we continue to improve our local road network, and we thank the Australian Government for this.”
Image: Ian Geraint Jones/shutterstock.com
