Mr HOGAN (Page) (13:31): Very good news was delivered to local communities this week following our passing of the $2.1 billion Roads to Recovery program. That money will start flowing within the next month. Mr Deputy Speaker Scott, I can inform you and the House that my electorate of Page, which houses five different local government areas, is going to receive more than $26 million for local road construction and street repairs. It is great news for local councils, residents and businesses and it is going to make a real difference in building roads, repairing streets and creating better access across the community.
Within Page, I can tell you what the five local councils will receive. Over the next few years, Ballina Shire is going to get $3½ million, $597,000 of that within the next month or two; Clarence Valley will be getting $8.7 million, with $1.4 million of that handed over quite soon; Kyogle Shire will be getting $4½ million, with $734,000 flowing very soon; Lismore City Council area will be getting $5.2 million of which $882,000 will be flowing this month; and the Richmond Valley Council will be getting $4.2 million, $701,000 of which they will get in the next week or so. As we know, this funding allows councils to prioritise roads funding to invest in the infrastructure in their area. Highways and roads are very important to this side of the parliament and it is with great pleasure that I announce that funding.
