Further $245 million in Federal money for communities

In a surprise move the Federal Government has allocated a further $245 million to local government for community infrastructure and sector reform initiatives.
The money is in addition to $800 million that has been allocated for community infrastructure like sports grounds, swimming pools, community centres and town halls, announced in two tranches since November
The additional funding has been welcomed by Councillor Geoff Lake, President of the Australian Local Government Association, who stated "today's announcement is great news for every community across Australia.
"It shows that the Australian Government is serious about backing up its new partnership with councils with real financial investment into local government.
"In the past six months, more than $1 billion has been allocated by the Rudd Government to councils to fund community infrastructure at the local level."
However, in some quarters questions are being raised as to whether funded projects are wholly new or whether the Federal money is being used to replace monies that Councils lost in the financial markets in 2008.