Local Governments in the Richmond region can continue to deliver priority projects after  receiving the third 2021-22 quarterly payment of the Federal Government’s Financial  Assistance Grant program.

Senator for New South Wales Perin Davey said the funding is untied, allowing Councils to  spend the grant according to their own local needs.

“Local Governments are the boots on the ground and they are the ones who know what their  communities need,” Senator Davey said. 

“They are an important delivery partner for the Federal Government’s economic stimulus  packages and play a critical role in our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The projects Local Government delivers are vital to building safer, stronger and more vibrant communities.”

Councils in Richmond have received the following quarterly payment:

3rd Quarter Payment February 2022

Ballina Shire Council
$629,813

Byron Shire Council
$453,338

Tweed Shire Council
$1,447,897

Assistant Minister for Local Government Kevin Hogan said a total of $2.7 billion in untied  Federal funding was allocated for local governments in 2021–22. 

“The Federal Government prepaid around half of the allocated funding in June 2021, the  remainder will be paid through these quarterly payments across the year,” Mr Hogan said.

“We know the early payment is a valued support to councils, particularly in regions that have  faced the combined impacts of bushfire, drought, floods and COVID-19.”

“Across the nation, local governments employ around 194,000 people and deliver a wide  range of services in the cities, regional towns and remote areas of Australia. This support will  continue to bolster Australia’s economic recovery.”

Since 1974–75, the Australian Government has provided local governments with almost  $60 billion in untied funding through the Financial Assistance Grants program.

For more information, visit https://www.regional.gov.au/local/assistance/index.aspx