More than $70 million has been committed to support local communities across Western Australia as part of a national stimulus funding announced by the Federal Government today.
Every Local Government in WA will receive funding as part of the $500m Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program based on the existing Roads to Recovery allocations.
In addition, to further assist Local Governments stimulate economic activity, the Federal Government has brought forward $1.3 billion of the 2020/21 Financial Assistance Grants.
The WA Local Government Association worked closely with sector representatives from other states to advocate the Federal Government for the funding boost.
WALGA President, Mayor Tracey Roberts, who is also Vice President of the Australian Local Government Association, said the injection of $73m into projects in WA along with the early release of 50% of Financial Assistant Grants would benefit all local communities.
“Local Governments in WA have not had the financial support such as State employment assistance packages or capped utility prices that have been provided in other states,” Mayor Roberts said.
“Consequently while the Federal funding package is a national initiative, it will be especially appreciated by WA Councils and their communities.”
Mayor Roberts said by the Federal Government adopting the funding allocation model based on the Roads to Recovery program, there would be some variability in the funding allocations, however all WA Local Governments would benefit to some extent.
“Every community in the State is going to receive additional funding, that did not exist prior, to help stimulate their local economies and enhance local employment opportunities,” Mayor Roberts said.
“Councils in WA are already doing what they can to help support their communities during COVID-19 and no doubt will welcome this support from the Federal Government and the recognition of the role of Local Government in overcoming this crisis.”