Millions to go toward roads and rail
03 Feb 2009 1:49 PM
CANBERRA, Feb 3 AAP - The federal government is moving quickly to spend part of its $42 billion stimulus package on small road and rail projects.
Over the next two years, about 200 boom gates will be built at railway crossings across the country, costing $150 million.
Funding these projects allows the government to quickly inject small amounts of money into local economies.
The updated economic and fiscal outlook released on Tuesday says the funding will also address safety needs at "the most dangerous" crossings.
"A number of priorities have already been identified," the outlook said.
There is also a massive new round of funding for local councils with $500 million to be handed out over two years to help "councils fund critical community infrastructure" such as town halls, libraries and community and sports centres.
An extra $90 million will be spent on the popular blackspot program that funds the improvement of dangerous sections of road.
"This will deliver around 350 additional safety-improving projects," the outlook said.
