MEDIA RELEASE The Hon Anthony Albanese MP Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government 17 February 2010 AA045/2010

Funding for Community Projects in Gascoyne and Mid-West Regions The Rudd Labor Government has approved $210,000 for seven ready-to-go community infrastructure projects in Western Australia's Gascoyne and Mid-West regions to support local jobs while delivering lasting benefits for the community. Minister Albanese said that the funding would go towards projects such as the refurbishment of Kennedy Street in Exmouth, construction of a playground at Federation Park in Mount Magnet and the upgrade of the water playground in Cue. "All up, these seven projects are expected to support more than 25 jobs during construction. "We will deliver this funding to the Shires of Exmouth, Murchison, Shark Bay, Meekatharra, Mount Magnet, Upper Gascoyne and Cue from the second round of our Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program. "And shortly I hope to announce funding for projects for the other local governments in this region. "In just over a year, this Program has delivered $1 billion to build and renew community facilities across Australia, making it the largest single investment in local infrastructure in the nation's history. "Already more than 3,300 community construction projects have either been completed or are underway through the first round. "The funding announced today will keep more people working locally, to support the economy while building local infrastructure for the future. "All of the projects announced today were put forward by the local councils as local community priorities, instead of being determined from Canberra.  "Many of these infrastructure projects have seen councils and community groups search for funding for years, sometimes decades. By letting local communities decide, the Rudd Government is helping turn the community's vision into a reality. "Across the country, the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program is funding local projects like sporting fields, swimming pools, libraries, community halls, water and energy saving facilities, as well as improving elderly and disabled access," Mr Albanese concluded. Further information is available at: http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/local/cip/index.aspx APPROVED PROJECTS Shire of Exmouth - $30,000 $30,000 Main Street Refurbishment of Kennedy Street Shire of Upper Gascoyne - $30,000 $30,000 Upgrade to Gascoyne Junction Museum Shire of Meekatharra - $30,000 $30,000 Upgrade of The Recreation Park Shire of Murchison - $30,000 $30,000 Refurbishment to the Murchinson Settlement in Mullewa Shire of Shark Bay - $30,000 $30,000 Upgrade of Visitor Centre Shire of Mount Magnet - $30,000 $30,000 Construction of Playground at Federation Park Shire of Cue - $30,000 $30,000 Upgrade of the Water Playground   URL: http://www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au/aa/releases/2010/February/AA045_2010.htm