$2.19m promised for Central Darling Shire

Local councils across the Parkes Electorate will be able to set their own priorities to deliver more community infrastructure and better roads, as part of a $1 billion funding commitment from a Dutton Littleproud-led Coalition Government, according to Nationals Candidate Jamie Chaffey.  

“The Coalition is committed to getting Australia back on track and re-establishing a genuine partnership with local government by revamping a successful program, which was cut by the Albanese Government.”

The announcement includes a $2,192,247 commitment to Central Darling Shire, for roads and community infrastructure.

“As the previous Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Council, and immediate past Chair of the NSW Country Mayor’s Association, I am proud that The Nationals, in a Coalition Government are backing our councils by providing this funding to deliver on our community's aspirations and critical infrastructure,” Mr Chaffey said. 

“I have seen just how successful this program has been in the past to deliver thousands of projects and improve our road networks that simply could not have happened without the Coalitions past commitments. 

“When Labor cut the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, they increased the financial strain that our Councils are already under, depriving them of the vital support they needed to improve infrastructure and keep their roads up to scratch,” Mr Chaffey said.   

“Our revitalised program will continue the essential work of supporting local councils, creating jobs, and strengthening the resilience of our communities and I’m excited that more than 23% of this funding for regional, rural and remote NSW, has been allocated to the Parkes electorate. 

Mr Chaffey said the revitalised Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program will strengthen communities, enhance resilience, and improve local roads. 

The coalition says it will be delivered through two dedicated funding streams, each worth $500 million: 

• Resilience and Community Infrastructure Stream – open to all councils, this stream will help strengthen communities against natural disasters and fund essential infrastructure to support local growth. 
• Roads Stream – targeted to regional councils to fix potholes, maintain and improve local roads. 

“This program will make a huge impact to address the backlog in road maintenance, contributing to safer local roads.  

“Only the Coalition is willing to partner with local government to achieve the best outcomes for the Parkes electorate while keeping costs down for ratepayers and getting Australia back on track”.