Delivering local priorities in Cooma

The Albanese Government continues to partner with Snowy Monaro Regional Council to deliver local priority projects, with $130,000 flowing towards community infrastructure and amenity improvements in Cooma.

Through Phase 4 of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program, Snowy Monaro Regional Council is receiving $2.7 million in federal funding for a pipeline of local upgrades.

In Cooma, this includes:

• $50,000 towards the removal of six end-of-life Cottonwood Poplar trees at Cooma Showground, replacing these with semi-advanced tree varieties – improving public safety
• $40,000 for upgrades to the Cooma Library roof sheeting and gutters
• $40,000 for improvements to the Cooma Multifunction Centre, including roof sheet and gutter upgrades, along with access control and lock changes to boost security

These projects are now underway and will be finalised by June 2025.

Nationally, the Albanese Government is delivering significant funding increases to support local councils progress their priority projects. 

The Roads to Recovery program is progressively increasing from $500 million to $1 billion per year, with Snowy Monaro Regional Council to receive $15.3 million over the next five years – a $6.6 million boost thanks to the Albanese Government.

The Road Black Spot Program is also increasing from $110 million to $150 million per year, and $50 million has been added to the new $200 million per year Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain:

“We get more done for our community when we work together, which is why I’m proud to be delivering $2.7 million to Snowy Monaro Regional Council for a range of priority projects, including these improvements in Cooma.

“Both the Cooma Multi-Function Centre and Cooma Showground are used for a variety of community events – and they play an important role during emergencies – with these improvements to have a big impact.

“The Cooma Library is a much-loved facility, which is why we’re ensuring it can continue to provide the community with a space to learn, work and connect.” 

Quotes attributable to Snowy Monaro Regional Council Mayor, Chris Hanna:

“This $2.7 million from the Australian Government is exactly what our region needs right now. It means we can get stuck into the important projects our community's been asking for.

“We're seeing more demand than ever for Council services across the Snowy Monaro. That's why working closely with the Australian Government is so important – it helps us deliver the projects our community needs most, projects that are going to make a real difference for years to come.”