Hogan said the Government has announced this quarter’s payment to councils in the Northern Rivers under the Financial Assistance Grant programme which will total $3,560,988. This is the third instalment of untied funding to allocate according to local priorities that Northern Rivers councils will collect this year. Mr Hogan said without the Financial Assistance Grant programme, residents could be paying higher council rates for the same or lower levels of service. “The Financial Assistance Grant programme is a welcome boost to our local councils which can support community initiatives and assist in establishing essential local infrastructure,” he said. Funding paid this quarter to Clarence Valley Council is $1,262,537 and the total cash payment for 2015-16 is $5,050,148. Mr Hogan said paying the grant unconditionally allows councils to direct the funds towards local priorities. “That means these funds may help maintain local roads, introduce or continue environment and education programmes, or support local businesses,” he said.