PLAYFORD Mayor Glenn Docherty hopes the State Government’s $350 million stimulus package, a response to the current coronavirus pandemic, will benefit local workers and the community.
Premier Steven Marshall announced the support package on Thursday as a measure to support the state’s economy during the current coronavirus – or COVID-19 – outbreak.
The money will go towards providing increased and upgraded health services and starting infrastructure and community projects.
Speaking to The Bunyip last week Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty said using the money to launch council projects would help steady the local economy.
“What I would like to see out of this stimulus package, things we (council) do every day and can do fairly quickly, like repairing sports clubs, community halls and park infrastructure… all projects we have in our 10-year Asset Management Plan that for $1-2 million we can accelerate,” he said.
“This is so our local tradies, our plumbers, chippies and sparkies, can get out in the next couple of weeks and get that work done.
“Also, it will allow for local jobs for local people to stimulate the local money and to invest in the local community.”
On Monday, the State Government granted Mr Docherty’s wish, when it announced $50 million will be made available to local councils to complete projects which can quickly begin once funding is locked in.
Councils will now have until April 9 to submit applications through the Planning and Development Fund, which requires a 50-50 payment split between state and local governments.
Local government minister Stephan Knoll said the State Government had wrote to all councils, encouraging them to submit funding bids.
“We are calling on all councils right across South Australia to come forward with local projects that are shovel ready and can get off the ground in the coming months,” he said.
“We have extended the current grant round by another week to give councils more time to submit projects for funding this year.
“The types of projects we are looking for could include revitalisation of reserves and parks, linear parks, coastal reserves, trails and open space linkages, foreshore and riverfront precincts, civic plazas, town squares and main streets.
“This is a real opportunity to turbo charge access to quality public spaces and create new green open space within out city and regional towns.”
