A $2.1BILLION program to help councils build new roads has been reinstated by the Federal Government, with the City of Mandurah set to receive its first payment this month.
Doubt had been cast over the future of the Roads to Recovery program, which was first set up in 2000 and expired on June 30, after an associated bill ensuring its continuation failed to pass through Federal Parliament.
But Federal Infrastructure Minister Warren Truss said the program was now signed and sealed and would be delivered this month.
“This funding is expressly for local roads and street work needed in local communities,” he said.
“Councils choose the projects they want in their own areas.
“[The funding] will make a real difference to the ability of councils to deliver the better, safer local roads and streets their communities need.”
Mayor Marina Vergone said the Roads to Recovery program was a great initiative.
“This latest round of funding will enable to City of Mandurah to continue to upgrade and maintain our road infrastructure,” she said.
Canning MP Don Randall said funds had previously assisted the City of Mandurah build a two-kilometre road connecting the Mandurah Transit Station to the Mandurah city centre.
“This project was a necessary and vital link for commuters,” Mr Randall said.
“At a proposed cost of over $8million, the project included undergrounding of traffic lights, draining and power supplies as part of the amalgamation of Scott Street and Peel Street at the Anstruther Road intersection.”
Mr Randall said the funding would provide a safety-net for councils and would allow them to choose the road and street projects they want addressed.
Shadow Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese said Labor supported Roads to Recovery and blamed the previous June 30 expiration date on the Federal Government.
