The Coalition Government has announced that it would invest more than $208 million in infrastructure projects to improve regional, remote Australia.

This investment would be for 136 projects under round two of the Building Better Regions Fund – Infrastructure Projects stream.

Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government, John McVeigh, said the projects would ensure regional and remote communities had the right infrastructure to unlock economic potential, create jobs, and transform regions.

“We are creating new sporting precincts for our young teams to play in, aged care facilities to keep our family members cared for and improved freight access to support our local businesses—these are projects that truly build stronger regional and remote communities,” said McVeigh.

“Successful round two projects will build community pride through reinvigorating town centres and facilities, increase tourism with upgrades to airports and popular regional attractions and boost local economies through the thousands of new jobs to be created once the projects are complete,” he said.

McVeigh said the Liberal Nationals Government committed a further $200 million in the 2018 budget to deliver a third round of the Building Better Regions Fund—which will ensure even more communities can benefit from its ongoing commitment to regional and remote Australia.

Applications for the third round of funding are expected to open in coming months.

In other news, the Australian Government has committed up to $1 million for strategic traffic planning study to address congestion, connectivity, freight efficiency and safety in and around Hahndorf, South Australia.

Meanwhile in Queensland, heavy vehicle drivers and motorists are set to benefit from a $2.9 million upgrade of a key mining and agricultural freight corridor between Moranbah and Dysart.