FEDERAL member for Page Kevin Hogan along with the Federal member for Cowper Luke Hartsuyker today confirmed they have successfully lobbied the Australian Government to fund the $1.06 million upgrade of the Grafton airport.
The airport funding was an uncontracted project under Round Four of the Regional Development Fund, which Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss today announced would go ahead.
“When we came to office we discovered the real story of Labor’s mishandling of its regional development promises with more than 1000 Regional Development projects not funded or contracted,” Mr Hogan said.
“However Luke and I were determined that our community shouldn’t pay the price for Labor’s incompetence and false promises. The government agreed and today we can happily announce the Grafton airport upgrade will definitely go ahead.”
The $1.06 million project includes an extension of the passenger terminal, strengthening and correction of the runway and apron pavements and improved safety measures.
has welcomed the funding of five local projects worth almost $800,000 funded under the Federal Government’s new Community Development Grants Programme which is part of the regional community funding packaged the coalition promised during the 2013 election.
Mr Hogan also welcomed has welcomed the funding of five local projects worth almost $800,000 funded under the Federal Government’s new Community Development Grants Programme which is part of the regional community funding packaged the coalition promised during the 2013 election.
“This is very good news for the Page community and it shows our commitment to building and strengthening the social fabric and economies of regional Australia,” Mr Hogan said.
The five local projects are the full restoration of the Bellman Hanger at Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome and fit-out of the museum ($185,000), the refurbishment of the Grafton Hockey Club ($560,000), the renovation of the kitchen at Mid-Richmond Neighbourhood Centre ($23,500), goal posts for Grafton’s McKittrick Park ($13,750) and completion of the Iluka/Woomba Men’s Shed ($13,000).
“I made these commitments during the election campaign because they were much-needed community infrastructure. I am pleased the government has acted on them so quickly,” Mr Hogan said.
“I am really looking forward to continuing my work with all the groups behind these local projects to help implement these important community initiatives and to delivering genuine benefits to the people of Page.”
The Community Development grants are part of $342 million package the Coalition today announced for 300 projects across Australia. The programme will be administrated by the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development.
Mr Hogan will write to the community groups shortly asking them to provide updated project information, including project outcomes and benefits, planning, total costs and delivery timeframes.
