Michael Sukkar MP

Councils in Deakin to Receive $4.7 Million in Roads to Recovery Funding

Federal Member for Deakin, Michael Sukkar, has welcomed delivery of the Australian Government’s $2.1 billion Roads to Recovery programme, announcing that councils in the electorate of Deakin will receive $4.7 million for local road construction and street repairs.

“Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss is writing to all councils advising them of their full allocations for the 2014-15 to 2018-19 Roads to Recovery programme,” Mr Sukkar said.

“This is great news for the Maroondah and Whitehorse City Councils, residents and businesses.

“These funds will make a real difference in building roads, repairing streets and creating better access across our community.

“As announced in the 2014 Federal Budget, our Government is doubling Roads to Recovery payments to councils next year (2015-16) to $700 million, which will be a tremendous windfall for much-needed local road works.

“Importantly, the Roads to Recovery Programme is set up for councils to make road spending decisions based on local needs – without interference from Canberra – to ensure that funding is truly directed to where it is most needed in the community.

“The Australian Government has extended Roads to Recovery for another five years to ensure councils all over Australia receive the funding they need to ensure local roads are safe, our communities are well connected and moving freight in and out of town is efficient.”

Mr Sukkar said the councils would be receiving their funding allocations in November. The breakdown follows:
• Maroondah City Council – $2,172,714
• Whitehorse City Council – $2,506,957

“The Roads to Recovery programme enables councils to prioritise roads funding to invest in the infrastructure which keeps our drivers safe and strengthens economic growth,” he said.

“Local councils can lodge their applications in October, which will allow payments under the new Roads to Recovery programme to be made this November.

“Labor and The Greens’ unnecessary five-month delay in passing the legislation meant that the August payment was delayed. However, the Government will make up the delayed allocation to councils this financial year. Local needs should not suffer because of Labor’s political games.

“Through Roads to Recovery, the Australian Government is supporting our councils with the ongoing maintenance of Australia’s local road infrastructure, facilitating greater access, improving safety, and driving economic and social advances.”