By Sharon Webb

A FEDERAL Government formula has been lucky for the Meander Valley Municipality, with roads and community facilities to be boosted by $874,000 of post Covid-19 funding. The allocation is the third-highest of Tasmanian municipalities. Launceston Council attracted $1.2m and Northern Midlands Council will receive $961,000. Since the funding for all Australian local councils was announced in mid May, Meander Valley Council has rushed to identify projects that comply with funding guidelines. The $500m national program will support local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia, supporting jobs and the resilience of local economies to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a spokesperson from the Federal Infrastructure Department, Meander Valley Council must demonstrate the nominated projects are different from pre Covid-19 targets. ‘A formula was applied to calculate the amount for each council, which must then identify the projects they want to complete and submit them to the Federal Government for approval,’ he said. ‘ It’s a quick turnaround with the aim of having the money available by July 1.’

Meander Valley Council said works being submitted for consideration include road and bridge reconstruction projects and road safety improvements. Eligible local road projects could include works involving traffic signs, traffic control equipment, street lighting equipment, bridges or tunnels, off-road facilities such rest areas or weigh stations, offroad facilities supporting the visitor economy, and road and footpath maintenance which is additional to normal capital works schedules. Eligible community infrastructure projects could include CCTV, bicycle and walking paths, painting or improvements to community facilities, repairing and replacing fencing, improved accessibility of community facilities and areas, landscaping improvements such as tree planting and beautification of roundabouts, picnic shelters or barbeque facilities at community parks, playgrounds and skateparks (including all ability playgrounds), noise and vibration mitigation measures, and off-road car parks such as those at sporting grounds or parks.