The Australian Government has offered to provide funding toward a road safety initiative in Mt Isa, agreeing to contribute $25,000 to a $50,000 local project through the AusLink Strategic Regional Programme. Leader of The Nationals in the Senate, Ron Boswell, said today the proposed additional road funding would represent a small but significant contribution to the safety of Mt Isa’s road network. “The Government is offering the funding through the expanded AusLink Strategic Regional Programme for the installation of floodway warning lights at two river and causeway crossings within the Mount Isa City area.  The installation of lights will be an improvement of the current warning measures and will make the two floodways safer.” The Australian Government contribution will be paid to Mt Isa Council by 30 June, so it will be available immediately,” Senator Boswell said. “The Council will have to provide the $25,000 partner funding they indicated they were willing to contribute to the project when they lodged their AusLink Strategic Regional Programme project applications last year. “The Australian Government has announced it will invest an extra $300 million in the AusLink Strategic Regional Programme under AusLink 2, which will enable councils to submit new applications. The extra funding will be allocated in two $150 million funding rounds held in 2009–10 and 2011–12. “I urge councils in the North West to begin working on submission for additional regionally-important projects that can be funded under this excellent programme,” Senator Boswell said. While the AusLink Strategic Regional Programme funding is allocated on merit and competitive rounds, councils receive an automatic share of funding available through the AusLink Roads to Recovery funding, which is improving many local roads throughout the North West. ENDS Media Contact – Senator Boswell 0428 450 942