Media Releases

Shelley Hancock – Minister for Local Government

Friday, 22 May 2020

The NSW Government has today welcomed the Commonwealth Government’s announcement of a new $500 million Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program.
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said the funding boost will help councils accelerate priority projects and stimulate local economies.
“Councils across the State have faced the combined impacts of drought, bushfires and now COVID-19,” Mrs Hancock said.
“This funding boost will ensure NSW councils continue to have the financial means to support their employees and provide vital services, facilities and infrastructure to their communities during this challenging time.
“As the State with the largest population, I now call on the Commonwealth to ensure our State’s councils receive their fair share of funding from the program.”
The NSW Government also welcomed the Commonwealth agreeing to the request to bring forward payment of Financial Assistance Grants for 2020-21.
Minister Hancock wrote to her Federal counterpart, Federal Minister for Local Government Mark Coulton, in March requesting payment of Financial Assistance Grants be brought forward to help councils and communities suffering financially from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I welcome the Commonwealth Government’s financial support for our State’s 128 councils and for recognising the need to bring forward payment of Financial Assistance Grants,” Mrs Hancock said.
“To ensure funds flow to local communities as quickly as possible, I have instructed the NSW Office of Local Government to provide Financial Assistance Grant payments to our councils within 24 hours of the funds being received by the State.”
The NSW Government has provided more than half a billion dollars to NSW councils to protect jobs and service and infrastructure delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic including a $395 million local government economic stimulus package.
MEDIA: Nicholas Story | 0438 255 020