THE HON STEPHEN JONES MP

ASSISTANT TREASURER

MINISTER FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES

MEMBER FOR WHITLAM

MEDIA RELEASE

The Albanese and Minns Governments are building infrastructure back better in the Southern Highlands to make our community more resilient to natural disasters.

The Albanese Government is helping to deliver $235,000 in funding for the Priestley Street Culvert in Mittagong through the jointly-funded Infrastructure Betterment Fund.

The Infrastructure Betterment Fund is focused on building back essential public assets, such as roads, bridges and drainage impacted by the storm and flood events in 2021 and 2022, as well as the 2019/2020 Black Summer bushfires. Funding will mean assets are repaired to a more resilient standard that can better withstand future natural disasters, while also delivering associated economic, social and productivity benefits.

The funding being provided to Wingecarribee Shire Council will go towards increasing the serviceability of an important transport link during flood events by upgrading a drainage structure under the local road.

The project is expected to be complete in mid-2024.

Quotes attributable to Member for Whitlam Stephen Jones:

“We know natural disasters are becoming more prevalent due to climate change. That’s why our Government is committed to ensuring local infrastructure in the Southern Highlands is better prepared for natural disasters, including future flooding events.”

“By investing in better designs and better materials, we can make sure local roads, schools and drainage systems are built to last, and better withstand future natural disasters.”

For more information, including the full lists of successful projects, visit the Infrastructure Betterment Fund website.