Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan last Friday announced grants worth $3.5 million for Northern Rivers’ councils under the Federal Government’s Financial Assistance Grant Programme. “This is the second quarterly payment with Northern Rivers’ councils receiving a total of $14.2 million this financial year,” he said. “The Federal Government is committed to supporting local communities to deliver the services and facilities they need. “The great thing about the funding is councils are free to spend this untied grant money according to local priorities, including for infrastructure, health, recreation, environment, employment and roads projects. “I am looking forward to seeing our local councils target local priorities with today’s Financial Assistance Grant funding.” Clarence Valley Council has received a second quarter payment of $1,262,537 for the 2015/16 year, meaning the council has so far received, in two payments, $6,358, 634 of the total of 10,146,245 due to be paid in the 2015/16 year.