City of Greater Bendigo to receive $4.5m for roads, community projects

The funding is part of the third phase of the federal government's Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program.

Greater Bendigo's funding share is part of a $1 billion nationwide splash of cash which will also see Macedon Ranges Shire ($2.8 million), Mitchell Shire ($2.3 million) and Mount Alexander Shire ($2.1 million) benefit.

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Guidelines for the funding are now online, meaning councils can now start nominating their priority projects.

Nationals Senate Leader and Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie said in total, the Bendigo region would benefit from more than $11,887,000.

"This is fantastic news for our communities, and I am excited to announce these local governments can now nominate priority projects for funding, to take them off the wishlist and into reality," Senator McKenzie said.

"It's been a tough few years filled with unexpected and downright difficult times for all of us, and both our local governments and communities here in Bendigo have pulled together to keep the gears turning and continue supporting one another."

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the funding injection would help drive local recovery from the impacts of COVID-19 as regions get ready to return to business as usual and re-open to the world.

"This funding will go directly to local governments to deliver some of their priority projects, which will create local jobs and get funding flowing across our regions," the Deputy Prime Minister said.

"It will also mean communities will benefit from key community infrastructure projects, and lasting safety and access improvements on our roads, that will have a real impact on the day-to-day lives of residents.

Councils can nominate a broad range of local road projects for funding under the program, such as traffic signs, street lighting, bridges, tunnels, rest areas or even road and footpath improvements.

Community infrastructure projects can include upgrading park and play facilities, installing Wi-Fi networks or safety-boosting closed-circuit TV, or improving bike and walking paths.

Assistant Minister for Local Government Kevin Hogan said across all three phases, the program is delivering a total of $2.5 billion to local governments across Australia, with $1.495 billion already out the door and supporting over 6,100 projects nationwide.

"I'm thrilled to be putting even more funding in the hands of local governments," Assistant Minister Hogan said.

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