Adjust font size:

Community Infrastructure Program

On 3 February 2009, the Australian Government announced an additional $500 million to the previous $300 million Community Infrastructure Program (CIP) announced by the Prime Minister at the first meeting of the Australian Council of Local Government on 18 November 2008.

The funding was for local government to stimulate growth and economic activity across Australia and support national productivity and community well-being.

The Australian Government allocated $800 million to the Community Infrastructure Program to fund local government to build and renew local infrastructure such as community centres, town halls, park and playgrounds, pool and sports facilities.

The CIP was delivered in two components: $250 million allocated between all councils and shires (funding was announced on 18 November 2008 and applications closed on 30 January 2009); and $550 million on a competitive basis (funding was announced on 18 November and applications closed on 6 March 2009) for larger-scale projects. 

$550 million CIP - Strategic Projects (CIP-SP)

Under the $550 million component, local government authorities (LGAs) had the opportunity to submit a new or revised application by Friday 6 March 2009.  The CIP - SP received more than 480 applications seeking in excess of $2 billion.  The program is now closed.

Interested local governments were required to do one of the following:

• advise the Department by email to continue with an existing application to RegionalGrants@infrastructure.gov.au. Local governments who did not contact the Department or submit a new or changed application will still have their original application considered.
• submit a new application for a new project; or
• revise their existing application and resubmit within the deadline.

Please find Guidelines, Frequently Asked Questions and a list of approved CIP-SP projects below.

• Media Statement - Rudd Government Secures Extra $500 Million for Local Community Infrastructure

• Guidelines for ($550 million) Strategic Projects [DOC: 67 KB] [PDF: 93 KB]
• Frequently Asked Questions [DOC: 88 KB] [PDF: 164 KB]
• Funding Agreement for ($550 million) Strategic Projects [DOC: 343 KB] [PDF: 568 KB]
• Approved $550 million CIP-Strategic Projects [XLS: 70 KB]
• LGAs with signed Funding Agreements ($550 million CIP-Strategic Projects)

$250 million allocation

One-off funding of $250 million in 2008-09 was provided to local government authorities (LGA) under the Community Infrastructure Program.  The application period ended on 30 January 2009 and the Program is now closed.  All funds have been allocated. 

In determining each LGA's share of the $250 million allocation, the Government used a robust, transparent and accountable process, based on data collected by the State and Territory Local Government Grants Commissions. That process was as follows:

Minimum payment: Each LGA has received a minimum payment of $100,000.

$300,000 Growth Component: LGAs with populations of more than 30,000 people, which are also categorised as 'urban fringe', 'urban regional' or 'rural significant growth' by their State and Territory Local Government Grants Commissions, received an additional $300,000. These authorities generally face relatively greater pressures to provide or renew community infrastructure.

Balance of funds: For LGAs with more than 5,000 people, the balance of the $250 million was allocated in accordance with the annual Financial Assistance Grants formulas used by the independent State and Territory Local Government Grants Commissions.

• Guidelines for $250 million [DOC: 50 KB] [PDF: 101 KB]
• Frequently Asked Questions [DOC: 96 KB] [PDF: 178 KB]

The Community Infrastructure Program is part of the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan.

For any queries please call the Information Line on 1800 005 494.

• Council Allocations by States and Territories

---

www.australia.gov.au/economicstimulus keeps Australians informed about the Australian economy and the Australian Government's early and decisive action to cushion the nation from the worst of the global financial recession. The website provides information and updates on the progress of the $42 billion Nation Building-Economic Stimulus Plan.