Prime Minister Kevin Rudd told delegates at last week’s Australian Council of Local Government in Canberra another $220 million would be allocated for community infrastructure.

Councils across Australia will share in $100 million, while a further $120 million will be allocated to major projects through a competitive tendering process.

Murray Bridge council will receive $190,000, Mid Murray Council has been allocated $180,000, Coorong council will be given $147,000 and Karoonda East Murray council has been granted $30,000.

“It was a bit of a surprise,” Murray Bridge mayor Allan Arbon said.

“With the shortage of money, we didn’t think there would be much coming but the Prime Minister spoke to us and said he wanted to forge an alliance with local government.

“It does recognise the fact that we are well behind in infrastructure spending.”

Coorong mayor Roger Strother was hopeful more money would be available through the tendering process.

“We missed out on the last round of funding so we will be encouraging our staff to apply,” he said.

“There is always a need for more money to upgrade public toilets, community halls or swimming pools and other jobs like that.”

Mid Murray Mayor Ian Mann said the funding could give his council room to move on the contentious Mannum Skate Park project, but that would be for councillors to decide.

Karoonda mayor Kevin Burdett said council would spend its $30,000 wisely, but he was not confident more money would be forthcoming from the competitive grants.