Federal member for Page Kevin Hogan said the Government has announced this quarter’s payment to councils in the Northern Rivers under the Financial Assistance Grant programme which will total $3,560,988.
This is the third instalment of untied funding to allocate according to local priorities that Northern Rivers councils will collect this year.
Mr Hogan said without the Financial Assistance Grant programme, residents could be paying higher council rates for the same or lower levels of service.
“The Financial Assistance Grant programme is a welcome boost to our local councils which can support community initiatives and assist in establishing essential local infrastructure,” he said.
Councils in the Northern Rivers will receive the following Financial Assistance Grant programme funding in 2015–16:
| Council | Funding paid this quarter | Total cash payment for 2015–16 |
| Page | 3,560,988 | 14,243,951 |
| Ballina Shire Council | 495,884 | 1,983,536 |
| Clarence Valley Council | 1,262,537 | 5,050,148 |
| Kyogle Council | 490,395 | 1,961,581 |
| Lismore City Council | 735,660 | 2,942,641 |
| Richmond Valley Council | 576,511 | 2,306,045 |
Mr Hogan said paying the grant unconditionally allows councils to direct the funds towards local priorities.
“That means these funds may help maintain local roads, introduce or continue environment and education programmes, or support local businesses,” he said.
