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Funding for Benalla's future growth

28 May 2010
DAFF10/448BJ

Joint Media Release
The Hon Tony Burke MP - Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
The Hon Anthony Albanese MP - Minister for Transport, Infrastructure, Regional Development and Local Government

The Rudd Labor Government will provide more than $3 million to construct a stormwater drainage system to help create more serviceable land for housing in Benalla, Victoria.

Tony Burke, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, made the announcement today with the Mayor of Benalla Rural City Council, Cr Bill Hill.

Mr Burke said that this project was worth over $4.2 million in total.

“It is expected to support 45 jobs during construction, as well as another 270 jobs over the longer term, delivering an economic boost for Benalla,” Mr Burke said.

“And the project will reduce local flooding and allow development of land that is currently unsuitable for housing, easing the housing shortage in Benalla.”

Anthony Albanese, Minister for Infrastructure and Local Government, said that this project was about giving a real boost to the Benalla community by building capacity for new housing.

“The development is being undertaken in consultation with the Yorta Yorta local Indigenous group to ensure the preservation of local heritage.”

The project, which was put forward by Benalla Rural City Council, is expected to include:

  • Provision of sufficient drainage for a potential 1,290 allotments in the south-west area of Benalla;
  • Incorporation of a filtration system, supported by native vegetation, to effectively manage storm water run-off;
  • Installation of a silt fence trap and gross pollutant trap; and
  • Tree management and landscaping, designed to preserve environmentally sensitive areas within the development.

Mr Albanese said that the funding is part of our Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program, which is delivering a record $1 billion for nearly 5,000 projects across the nation.

“Across Australia, we are building and modernising community facilities in partnership with local governments,” he concluded.

The funding is conditional upon the council formalising a contract with the Government and meeting relevant conditions.