Delivering local priorities in Cooper

The Albanese Labor Government continues to boost the liveability of Melbourne’s north, with federal funding delivering road and community infrastructure projects across Cooper.

Federal Minister for Local Government, Kristy McBain MP, joined Member for Cooper, Ged Kearney MP on Wednesday to inspect the progress of projects, and to discuss forward priorities with Darebin City Council.

As part of our commitment to improving the safety of local roads in Cooper, Darebin City Council will receive more than $5.1 million in Roads to Recovery funding over the next five years – a boost of over $2.2 million.

This will pave the way for a pipeline of future projects from early next year, with $492,000 supporting road surface improvements and construction of a new raised intersection on Hickford Street, and $508,000 supporting new asphalt and speed humps on Botha Avenue. 

This builds on upgrades already delivered, such as road surface and intersection improvements on Massey Avenue – with $457,620 from the Albanese Government making this busy road safer for turning heavy vehicles.

Through Phase 4 of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program, Darebin City Council received over $581,000 for a number of path upgrades, including on Clarke Street and Helen Street at Northcote, Plenty Road at Preston, and Station Street at Thornbury – boosting pedestrian safety and accessibility on these streets. 

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

The Roads to Recovery program is progressively increasing from $500 million to $1 billion per year, the Road Black Spot Program is increasing from $110 million to $150 million per year, and $200 million per year is available under our Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Local Government, Kristy McBain MP:

“It was fantastic to join Ged Kearney on Wednesday to see projects that she’s campaigned for delivered, and to discuss how federal funding can continue to boost the liveability of Melbourne’s north. 

“Ged has a strong record of delivering local results, which is why the millions in additional funding that she’s secured for Cooper will ensure we continue to get local priority projects off the ground.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Cooper, Ged Kearney MP:

“Welcoming Minister McBain to Cooper was an important opportunity to highlight the impact of our funding increases in Melbourne’s north, where we’ve made it easier and safer for locals to get around, by car or on foot. 

“We know it’s incredibly important for local roads and infrastructure to keep pace with our growing community, which is why I’ll continue to advocate for projects that locals want delivered – projects that will have a lasting impact in Cooper.”