LEETON Shire Council will receive more than half a million dollars from the federal government after being among many to lobby for a stimulus package during the coronavirus crisis.
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Local governments across the country united to call on their federal governments to provide assistance during the pandemic and inject funds that could be used to help their communities.
Leeton Shire Council was one of those to join that chorus and will now receive $656,388 under the federal government's Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program.
The money is available for road and community infrastructure projects in Leeton shire that involve the construction, maintenance and/or improvements to council-owned assets,including natural assets, that are generally accessible to the public.
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Council will decide how the $656,388 will be used on projects within these guidelines before June 30.
Mayor Paul Maytom said the announcement was welcome news and will support jobs, businesses and the resilience of local economies especially during this challenging period.
"Council has also received confirmation by the government the Financial Assistance Grant payment will be issued slightly earlier than usual," councillor Maytom said.
"Council is very pleased to receive confirmation of this payment which will be expended in the new financial year."
The financial assistance grant is something council does receive each year, but having access to it earlier gives a little extra room to breathe.
Council general manager Jackie Kruger said the grant was an important revenue stream to support council operations and Leeton shire relied on it each year.
The federal government package to local governments across the country is said to be worth about half a billion dollars.