New payments to councils in the Richmond electorate are being made today under the Federal government’s Financial Assistance Grants program.

The Nationals Duty Senator for Richmond John Williams said Tweed Shire Council will receive $9.408 million and Byron Shire Council will receive $2.611 million as part of a NSW distribution of $715 million.

He said the government will deliver a further $9.3 billion to local government from 2014-15 to 2018-19 through the Financial Assistance Grants program to deliver services and build community infrastructure.

“Councils may spend the untied grant according to local priorities, including for infrastructure, health, recreation, environment, employment and roads projects.

The FAGS grants are in addition to the Federal government’s Roads to Recovery, Black Spot and Bridge Renewal programs”, Senator Williams said.