Community Infrastructure Projects Opened in Dingee

The Dingee Community today celebrated Australia Day with a lawn bowls tournament, marking the opening of the Dingee Tennis and Bowls Centre and the installation of an irrigation system at the Dingee Recreational Reserve.

The Rudd Labor Government provided the $155,000 to the Loddon Shire Council for the projects from the $1 billion Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program.

The Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program, a key part of the Economic Stimulus Plan, is delivering local jobs in communities across Australia by building infrastructure for the long term.

Upgrade works on the Tennis and Bowls Centre included the construction of new amenities with disabled access, the installation of a much-needed new kitchen and an upgrade of the existing building to accommodate tennis, playgroup, the cricket club and community gatherings.

The installation of a new irrigation system at the Dingee Recreation Reserve will contribute towards reducing water usage at the site.

Eight local contractors were engaged during the construction of these projects and 15 local volunteers also chipped in.

The $220 million in funding for Round Two of the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program will be made available to councils in coming months, with the Loddon Shire Council set to receive at least another $229,000.

This additional funding will support even more local jobs and rebuild even more of the nation's vital community infrastructure.

I congratulate the Loddon Shire Council and the local community for helping deliver local these projects in Dingee and helping to build a stronger region for the future.