Anthony Albanese, Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, and Joel Fitzgibbon, Member for Hunter, today announced that the Rudd Labor Government will provide more than $139,000 towards two bike path projects in the Cessnock Local Government Area.
Mr Albanese said the projects were part of the Rudd Government’s $40 million National Bike Paths Projects fund and a key element of our Economic Stimulus Plan.
“The Australian Government is funding 174 projects across Australia, supporting more than 1,900 jobs in local communities.
“We are delivering the two projects in partnership with the Cessnock City Council which will match the funding dollar-for-dollar.
“The more than $70,000 in funding provided for the Millfield Public School to the General Store Shared Pathway project will construct a cycleway around 800 metres long on the southern side of Wollombi Road. The shared cycleway and footpath between the Millfield Public School and the Millfield village centre will facilitate the safe passage of school children and families accessing the public school from Millfield’s main residential area.
“In total, this project is worth more than $141,000. Ten jobs will be created during the construction of this project, delivering an economic boost to the Cessnock Local Government Area.”
Mr Albanese said the more than $68,000 in funding for the Vineyards Cycleway Extension project located in Pokolbin will construct a 2 metre wide, 300 metre long off-road/on-road cycleway link to complete the cycleway along McDonalds Road to the Oakey Creek Road intersection within the vineyards region.
“In total, this project is worth more than $136,000 and five jobs will be created during the construction of the project”.
Mr Fitzgibbon welcomed the grants for what he says are much needed projects.
“The Pokolbin grant brings the dream of linking Pokolbin’s vineyards and Cessnock by cycleway a step closer and the Millfield project will allow safe pedestrian and bicycle travel between the school and the village centre”, Mr Fitzgibbon said.