Government grant for city upgrades

The windfall is Sydney’s share of the $800 million Community Infrastructure Program to improve infrastructure across local communities in Australia’s 565 local council areas.

In all, the Rudd Government will spend $42 billion on a short- and long-term stimulus package to boost the Australian economy reeling from the Global Financial Crisis.   Federal Minister for Sydney, Tanya Plibersek, and Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Anthony Albanese, have jointly announced details of the project. The funds will enable improvements in energy and water efficiency at approximately 70 community buildings, aquatic centres, parks and gardens across the city.

A City of Sydney spokesperson said, “The work will include installation of solar hot water, energy efficient lighting upgrades, after-hours lighting systems, waterless urinals, rainwater tanks, rainwater harvesting, water flow restrictions on taps and showers, window tinting, sun-shading and sub-metering of electricity, gas and water.”

Mr Albanese said the Infrastructure Program represented the single largest investment of this kind in Australia’s history. “Without federal funding, projects like this would have remained in the ‘too-hard’ basket,” the Minister said.

Ms Plibersek is pleased that her representations to Canberra about the importance of local community projects have been heard. “The Rudd Government understands that our community in Sydney is feeling the effects of the global financial crisis,” she said. “Investing in local projects that are ready to go is a great way to generate construction activity.”

Council sees the package creating a number of jobs for trades, including electricians, plumbers and air conditioning mechanics. As well, improved energy efficiency in many of the City’s buildings should result in reduced ongoing costs. “The physical works are expected to commence in mid 2009,” the Council spokesperson said. “We understand the funds will be made available progressively after an agreement is reached between the Federal Government and the City.”

Redfern Community Centre, Surry Hills Childcare Centre, South Sydney Youth Centre, Waterloo and Erskineville Town Halls and Kings Cross Neighbourhood Centre are among the facilities targeted for improvement.

A full list of the recipients can be obtained from Sydney City Council.

Source: South Sydney Herald April 2009 www.southsydneyherald.com.au