Infrastructure projects worth $1.32 million announced for Lockhart Shire
Big improvements to recreation grounds, upgrades to rural roads and town streets and new landscaping will soon be enjoyed by Lockhart Shire residents as a result of nine Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program projects announced by Member for Riverina Michael McCormack.
Mr McCormack said the Federal Government had approved of and would fund Council’s list of projects worth $1,324,000.
“This is great news for Council, which has worked hard to identify infrastructure projects it believes will be of maximum benefit to the community,” Mr McCormack said.
“The schedule of works will support 68 Council and private sector jobs and deliver more infrastructure which Lockhart Shire residents need, want, deserve and expect.”
Mr McCormack said the LRCI Round 3 projects would build on the benefits of projects the Liberal and Nationals Government had delivered in the first two rounds of the national $2.5 billion program which he initiated in response to the COVID-19 crisis while Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development.
“We are delivering $2,821,289 to Lockhart Shire through the three rounds of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program,” Mr McCormack said.
“I have travelled throughout the Riverina Electorate and seen the massive benefits of the first two rounds of the program and am excited at what will be improved on and built in Round 3.
“These projects are real and visible improvements to the lifestyle of Riverina and Central West residents. They are creating jobs for our young people and providing job security for people who were worried the pandemic would spell the end of work in our communities.”
As well delivering $110,000 for landscaping improvements along Urana Street at The Rock and $100,000 for landscaping on Pleasant Hills Esplanade at Pleasant Hills, Round 3 of LRCI will provide $250,000 for the widening of a one kilometre section of Henty-Pleasant Hills Road and $350,000 to seal internal roads at the Lockhart, Osborne and The Rock recreation grounds.
“We hope to have the internal roads at the recreation grounds sealed before the start of the football season,” said Lockhart Shire Mayor, Councillor Greg Verdon.
“We will be getting into these LRCI projects pretty much straight away.”
Councillor Verdon said the effect of LRCI was the community obtaining infrastructure it wanted sooner than otherwise would have been possible.
“I think it’s a fantastic program and one we are truly grateful for,” the Mayor said.
Total LRCI funding for the 12 Local Government Areas in the Riverina Electorate is more than $54.5 million.
For more information on the LRCI program, including Round 3 allocations, visit https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/local-roads-and-community-infrastructure/.
Lockhart Shire LRCI Round 3 projects
Project name | Project Description | LRCI funding | Estimated jobs supported
The Avenue of Honour Masterplan Implementation | Landscaping improvements along Urana Street between Ford Street and Mixner Street, The Rock. | $110,000 | Six (four council jobs and two contractor jobs)
Lockhart Caravan Park Masterplan Implementation | Improved accessibility of community facilities and areas – construction of disability compliant cabin at Lockhart Caravan Park. | $200,000 | Five (all contractor jobs)
Pleasant Hills Esplanade | Landscaping improvements along Pleasant Hill Esplanade between Mason Street and Crawford Street, Pleasant Hills. | $100,000 | Six (four council jobs and two contractor jobs)
Henty-Pleasant Hills Road | Shoulder widening of 1km of Henty-Pleasant Hills Road to Woodend Fiveways Road. | $250,000 | 17 (seven council jobs and 10 contractor jobs)
Galore Hill Road | Sealing of Galore Hill internal road. | $115,000 | Six (all council jobs)
Yerong Creek Water Tower streets | Sealing of roads surrounding the Yerong Creek water tower. | $80,000 | Eight (five council jobs and three contractor jobs)
Shire and Town Entrance Signs | Installation of entry signs: The Rock-Collingullie Road shire entrance sign; The Rock-Collingullie Road town entrance sign; The Rock-Mangoplah Road town entrance sign; Osborne-Yerong Creek Road town entrance sign; Yerong Creek-Mangoplah Road town entrance sign. | $30,000 | Three (two council jobs and one contractor job)
Lockhart, Osborne and The Rock recreation grounds internal roads and car parks | Sealing of internal roads at the recreation grounds to remove dust nuisance and improve visual amenity. | $350,000 | 13 (three council jobs and 10 contractor jobs)
The Rock Recreation Ground fencing | Replace section of boundary fence along Wilson Street and replace main oval perimeter fence. | $89,000 | Four (all contractor jobs)
TOTAL $1,324,000 | 68 (31 council jobs and 37 contractor jobs)