Local Government sector told Commonwealth will provide additional $150 million for community infrastructure 19 June, 2013 On day three of the 2013 National General Assembly of Local Government (NGA), Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a new round of community infrastructure funding of $150 million in recognition that "local councils are better positioned than the Commonwealth to establish local priorities for community developments". "This funding is being provided under the two programs: the Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF) and the Livable Cities program," Minister Albanese said. "70 per cent of funding, or $105 million, will be provided to regional and rural councils and the remainder will be provided to major cities.  This is an opportunity for rural and regional areas to get funding for a good project that missed out on previous funding under RDAF.  All councils will receive an allocation of funding." ALGA is urging councils across to submit an application via the Regional Australia website for their share of the funding.  Applications open on Friday, 21 June, and close on 22 July. "Today's announcement is another example of why we need to constitutional recognition of local government.  Direct funding from the Commonwealth for community infrastructure is important funding that we need to protect and the only way to protect this funding is by including local government in the Constitution," ALGA President, Felicity-ann Lewis said. During the three-day event in Canberra, which has attracted more than 1000 delegates from councils across Australia to debate issues of national significance to local government, federal politicians from different persuasions have united in their commitment to constitutional recognition of local government.   Delegates and politicians alike have agreed that the number one priority for the sector at this time is constitutional recognition to support direct federal payments to local government. Local Government Minister Anthony Albanese has told delegates that while he has many differences of opinion with Coalition Local Government Spokesman Barnaby Joyce, "on this referendum issue we will unite to campaign for a 'yes' vote". Opposition Spokesperson for Local Government, Senator Barnaby Joyce said constitutional change is needed to give certainty to future direct grants from the Commonwealth and has urged councils to work hard to win the campaign.   These sentiments have been reinforced this week by Nationals Leader Warren Truss and Greens Leader, Senator Christine Milne.