By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
LABOR has hit out at the funding allocated by the Federal Government to deliver funding metropolitan infrastructure, including Bunjil Place and the Emerald Community Hub.
The projects, together with the Belgrave Multipurpose Health Hub, will create over 700 jobs in La Trobe.
Shadow Minister for Regional Development and Local Government Julie Collins said on 20 May that funding under the National Stronger Regions Fund was unfairly distributed to suburban over rural areas.
“A report today revealed that more than $37million of the Victorian funding from the National Stronger Regions Fund went to projects in metropolitan electorates,” the statement said.
“Hundreds of communities in regional Australia will miss out on funding under the National Stronger Regions Fund.”
But a statement from MP for La Trobe Jason Wood said funding had been carefully considered.
“Unlike Labor which misused taxpayers’ money as revealed by the Australian National Audit Office, this government undertook a competitive merit-based selection process before providing $212 million in funding to 51 priority infrastructure projects nationwide in round one of the programme.”
Mr Wood also took the opportunity to encourage people within the community to apply for the round two of the fund, which is now open.
“I would encourage applicants from our community to put forward projects that demonstrate strong economic outcomes to give themselves the best opportunity for success under Round Two,” Mr Wood said.
For more information on the program, including the application process for round two, visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/nsrf
