- Forde to share in early payment of $1.2 billion for 2017-18
- Program enables councils to spend their grant according to local priorities
Councils in the Forde electorate will be able to start work on crucial new projects following an early cash injection of almost $15.7 million under the Financial Assistance Grants program from the Coalition Government
Federal Member for Forde Bert van Manen MP said the Coalition Government had made an early payment of 50 per cent of the 2018-19 Financial Assistance Grants funding to councils in the region to help support the delivery of essential services and local infrastructure.
“This is a major windfall for councils in Forde who rely on untied grant funding to fund a wide range of local projects and services including in transport, health, sports and recreation, environment and employment projects,” Mr van Manen said.
“Financial Assistance Grants of $5.7 million to Logan City Council and $10 million to Gold Coast City Council will be provided so work can begin on crucial new projects.
Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government John McVeigh said the Government’s decision to make an early payment of 50 per cent of 2018-19 Financial Assistance Grants to all 546 councils across Australia would help fast track delivery of priority local projects.
“The Coalition Government recognises the importance of giving councils the power to determine local priorities in their region,” Dr McVeigh said.
“These grants are therefore an extremely important means of allowing local governments to invest substantial allocations of federal funds based on local needs.
“The Coalition Government also supports local councils through a range of other targeted funding programs including Roads to Recovery, Bridges to Renewal, the Building Better Regions Fund and Regional Growth Fund.”
More information about the Financial Assistance Grant programme, including funding being made to individual councils across Australia, visit www.regional.gov.au/local/assistance
