Transcript

The Hon Anthony Albanese MP – Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government

One of the best ways to keep our economy strong during these tough economic times is to invest in our nation’s infrastructure.

Investing in infrastructure stimulates employment, generates economic activity, and leaves a lasting legacy for communities, particularly in rural and regional Australia.

Under the regional and local Community Infrastructure Program, the Government is providing $800 million dollars for local projects to build town halls, libraries, community centres and sports facilities.

This infrastructure program benefits every region in Australia.

We’re funding infrastructure projects in every local council area because we understand that people right across the nation are being affected by the global recession.

We’ve made great progress since the program began in late 2008.

The Government has approved more than 3,200 projects under the first component of the program, which involved giving each and every council around Australia a share of $250 million dollars.

Some projects have already been completed, and construction is underway on many more.

The second part of the program is a $550m commitment for strategic Community Infrastructure Projects.

A total of 137 major projects have been announced under this part of the program.

These projects are not just supporting local jobs and economic activity in the short term.

They are also making our local communities better places to live, work and bring up a family.

I look forward to telling you more about the Government’s nation building investments on this website in the future.