Council will fast track a number of road and community infrastructure projects accepting more than $870,000 in Federal Government funding at this week’s ordinary meeting.

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program aims to assist a community-led recovery from COVID-19 by supporting local jobs, firms, and procurement.

The grant funding, which will be allocated as part of Council’s COVID-19 Support Package Stage 3 with projects to be announced in the coming months, must meet the following criteria and be completed by 30 June, 2021:

Roads Projects:

• Road projects generally, but preferably to support improved road safety outcomes;
• Traffic signs, street lighting, bridges/tunnels, heavy freight support (rest areas/weigh stations);
• Off-road facilities that support visitors; and
• Road and sidewalk maintenance.

Community Infrastructure - construction / maintenance / improvements:

• CCTV projects;
• Bicycle and walking paths;
• Painting and improvements to community facilities;
• Repairing and replacing fencing;
• Improved accessibility of community facilities and areas;
• Landscaping improvements;
• Picnic shelters / barbeque facilities;
• Playgrounds and skate parks;
• Noise and vibration mitigation; and
• Off-road carparks - sporting grounds/parks.

Mayor of Camden, Cr Theresa Fedeli, said it was important to continue supporting the community through the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Council needs to support its residents through any situation and in particular during the pandemic by protecting and creating local short-term employment opportunities while delivering benefits to the community including improved road safety and accessibility to amenities,” Cr Fedeli said.

“The LRCI program is linked to using local businesses to complete works which is direct assistance to stimulating our local economy as well.

“I thank the Federal Government for their funding and look forward to seeing the projects completed in 2021.”

Local businesses can also list their services and products with Camden Council after the VendorPanel Marketplace was launched recently, encouraging suppliers to register their details so they can be sought for quotes on goods and services required by Council.

The introduction of VendorPanel Marketplace is a part of Council’s $16.8million COVID-19 support package for the community.

For more information on Council’s COVID-19 support package, go to camden.nsw.gov.au/alerts