Priority projects on the Gold Coast have received a Federal funding injection to support jobs and deliver essential services.
The Morrison Government has accelerated funding of $2.84 million to the City of Gold Coast, the first 2021-22 quarterly payment in their $23m allocation, as part of the $2.7 billion Financial Assistance Grant program.
Member for McPherson Karen Andrews MP said the Morrison Government brought forward almost half of the funding total in June, to help kick-start the economy.
“We know the early payment is a valued support to councils – particularly in regions like ours that have faced the combined impacts of bushfire, floods and COVID-19,” Mrs Andrews said.
“The Gold Coast has borne the brunt of international border closures – and currently the state government-imposed border closure – which means this latest payment will create jobs at a time when it’s most needed.”
Federal Member for Fadden Stuart Robert said the grant is a big win for the Gold Coast which will help deliver vital local government projects.
“This funding is flexible which will allow the City of Gold Coast to spend the grant to advance local priorities,” Mr Robert said.
“It is particularly good to see the Morrison Government continue to support our city through this difficult period. This funding works alongside existing supports we’ve put in place but we can’t live like this forever – we need to see the Gold Coast open up safely through our National Plan and say goodbye to lockdowns and lockouts for good.”
Member for Moncrieff Angie Bell MP said since 1974–75, the Australian Government has provided local governments with almost $60 billion in untied funding through the Financial Assistance Grants program.
“Across the nation, local governments employ around 194,000 people and deliver a wide range of services in the cities, regional towns and remote areas of Australia,” Ms Bell said.
“This support will continue to bolster Australia’s economic recovery, in which the Gold Coast will play a vital role.”
For more information about the Financial Assistance Grants program, visit https://www.regional.gov.au/local/assistance/index.aspx
