MEDIA RELEASE The Hon Anthony Albanese MP Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government 09 October 2009 AA418/2009

Applications Open For $220 Million In Community Infrastructure The Rudd Labor Government has today opened Round Two of the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program (RLCIP), worth $220 million. The announcement was made at the historic joint meeting between the Australian Council of Local Government and the Local Government and Planning Ministers' Council in Darwin. The Program has received record funding and now stands at more than $1 billion. It has already supported more than 3,000 small- and large-scale projects, including new and upgraded sports grounds, swimming pools, town halls, community centres, disability access, walkways and environmental upgrades. These projects have created jobs and delivered an economic boost in local communities while improving the quality of life for local residents. Every council and shire across Australia will benefit under Round Two. Local governments will be able to access the $220 million as follows: $100 million to be shared between all councils and shires, based upon a submission of eligible projects.  Submissions close on 20 November 2009; $120 million for larger Strategic Projects allocated on a competitive basis.  Applications for this competitive funding are due by 15 January 2010. The Government has reduced the threshold for larger Strategic Projects to a minimum of $1 million, in order to provide local governments with greater flexibility. The Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program is part of the Rudd Labor Government's ongoing partnership with local governments to create local jobs and support communities. The new Guidelines and other supporting information for Round Two of the Program are available at: http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/local/cip/index.aspx Media Contacts Moksha Watts ( Albanese's Office ) 0413 389 070 Hotline for council enquiries ( Councils ) 1800 005 494   URL: http://www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au/aa/releases/2009/October/aa418_2009.htm