The Liberal and Nationals Government is investing $675,042 in priority projects on Christmas Island, supporting local jobs, businesses and the resilience of local economies to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Made possible under the third phase of the Australian Government’s $2.5 billion Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program, projects to be delivered by the Shire of Christmas Island include:
- $298,500 for the Foreshore Bicycle Path, to create the first ocean side bicycle path for visitors and residents to enjoy. It will span the length of the Foreshore Padang precinct with a 180 degree view of the Indian Ocean
- $40,000 for Foreshore Artwork, to brighten up the 40m blank wall looking over the Foreshore Padang Park area with colour, creativity and community stories.
- $79,985 for the Foreshore Padang Railing, to replace the aged railing looking over the Foreshore Padang Park
- $196,557 Foreshore Servery Shelters, for picnic shelters or BBQ facilities at community parks. The servery shelters will act as both gazebos for weekend picnic use and as the cover for the monthly night markets in the precinct. They will be installed at the Foreshore Padang Park precinct where the night markets take place currently, and
- $60,000 for the Taman Sweetland Walking Paths, to build a walking path adjacent to the rainforest at the Taman Sweetland district. This will be the first footpath in the area and be used to connect the houses to the school bus stop adjacent to the rainforest.
Assistant Minister Nola Marino said the funding reflects the Shire of Christmas Island’s top priorities and, once delivered by the Council, these project will ensure the needs of the local communities are met.
“With the challenges presented by COVID-19 the past couple of years have been tough for communities, businesses and local councils,” Assistant Minister Marino said.
“That’s why we have moved quickly to approve funding for these five projects on Christmas Island, paving the way for shovels to hit the dirt to make them a reality.
“This will provide a vital boost for our local communities, backing local jobs and economic growth while delivering lasting upgrades that will benefit residents for years to come.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said $1 billion in funding is flowing under the third phase of the LRCI program to local councils across Australia to improve their local road networks and deliver priority community infrastructure projects.
“This builds on the $1.5 billion already approved to deliver more than 6,100 projects nationwide under the first two phases of the program,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“This program is having a significant impact across the country, with more than 2,000 projects already complete or under construction – delivering upgrades to local roads, bike paths, community halls, playgrounds, parks and sports facilities, as well as improved accessibility to public facilities.
“Phase 3 will build on this, delivering more jobs, more economic stimulus, and more of the local priority projects that communities need and deserve.”
Assistant Minister for Local Government Kevin Hogan said the program forms part of the Liberal and Nationals unwavering commitment to back local councils and their communities through COVID-19 and secure a stronger future out the other side of the pandemic.
“We want to deliver the best outcomes for locals under this program, which is why we have listened and acted on council feedback, providing a longer delivery window for local governments to pursue larger, more complex projects that may be a higher priority and have a bigger impact on the community,” Assistant Minister Hogan said.
“We also get councils to use local businesses and workforces to deliver these projects as much as possible, ensuring this stimulus flows directly into the hands of hard-working Aussies, their families, their businesses and their communities.
“I look forward to seeing more projects get underway and supporting jobs and communities at this critical time.”
