Your Council at Work

Community Infrastructure Program

On 18 November 2008, the Australian Government announced that it is making available $300 million to local government under the Community Infrastructure Program (CIP), to build and improve community infrastructure and boost local economies. On 13 February 2009, the an additional $500 million was added to the package, bringing the total to $800 million.

Of this, $250 million was allocated directly to local councils and shires, with the remaining $550 million reserved for strategic projects.

Strategic Projects - Mackey Park refurbishment

Council submitted a project proposal for the refurbishment of Mackey Park under the Strategic Projects program in early 2009. Under this program, the Australian Government has allocated $550 million for strategic projects valued at $2 million and more. On 1 May 2009, Council was advised that its application was successful.

The federal funding of up to $2.26 million will contribute substantially to the overall refurbishment project at Mackey Park, which is worth $2.5 million and proposed to include:

• Upgrade of sports fields to provide three soccer fields and one cricket field with sub-surface drainage, irrigation, sports turf and synthetic cricket pitch;
• Installation of 10 sports ground lights to meet current lighting standards for training;
• Installation of photovoltaic cells to offset the park lighting energy consumption;
• Refurbishment of the existing change-rooms and canteen in the amenities building, including providing disability access and change rooms for women and girls for the first time;
• Upgrade of the children's playground and family recreation facilities including new play equipment, play surfacing, shade structure, furniture and landscaping; and
• Construction of a circuit path for recreational walking and to link to local pedestrian networks.

$250 million allocation

Marrickville Council was allocated an initial $493,000 in the initial round of funding. The funding was received in late March and the following program of works are now underway:

• Arlington Reserve Amenities & Toilets, $264,000
  Work includes refurbishment of amenities, change rooms and referee's room, including replacement of all fixtures as well as tiling, lighting and electrical works. Detailed design of the amenities improvements and works has commenced, with works scheduled for completion in April 2009.
   
• Shade Structure Installations, $164,000
  Planning for the installation of new shade structures at Ryan Park, Morton Park, McNeilly Park and Simpson Park and the repairs and adjustments to shade structures at Camperdown Memorial Rest Park and O’Dea Reserve has commenced.
   
• Marrickville Town Hall - Kitchen Refurbishment, $35,000
  Work includes new benches, tiling, whitegoods, flooring and painting. Planning has commenced.
   
• St Peters Town Hall - Kitchen Refurbishment, $30,000
  Work includes new tiling, whitegoods, flooring and painting. Planning has commenced.

The funding made available under the Community Infrastructure Program must be expended by 30 September 2009. The Community Infrastructure Program is part of the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan.

For more information visit the website of the Federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.