$750 million for councils' local road and infrastructure priorities

The next funding phase of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program, totalling $750 million, is now available for councils across Australia to nominate projects.

Phase 4 funding allocations include an additional $250 million targeted to improve rural, regional and outer urban roads.

Projects funded under Phase 4 are expected to be completed by 30 June 2025.

The Australian Government has committed $3.25 billion to the LRCI program over four phases.

Every local government is allocated and able to nominate projects for LRCI funding.

The LRCI program works in partnership with councils to provide them flexibility to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects relevant to their region, creating jobs and long-lasting benefits for communities.

In March, the Government extended project construction timelines for Phases 1–3 of the program. Councils across Australia now have until 30 June 2024 to complete works, giving them a much-needed extra year on the LRCI construction timeframes for all three phases.

For more information, including on the Phase 4 guidelines and grant agreements, visit https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/about/local-initiatives/local-roads-and-community-infrastructure-program.

Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“This is great news for many councils across Australia that have been struggling to maintain and improve their local road networks – especially following repeated flooding and other natural disasters in recent times.

“We have listened to councils and are pleased to be supporting local governments in their vital role in delivering critical infrastructure for their communities, whatever that looks like based on an individual council’s needs and priorities.

“We are committed to building strong partnerships with our local governments and this Phase 4 funding will help councils improve infrastructure and their local road networks for their communities.”

Quotes attributable to Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Minister Kristy McBain:

“We’ve increased both the funding amount and the delivery window for Phase 4 of LRCI, because we know that this will enable councils to progress higher-priority projects that have a lasting impact in their communities.

“The feedback from the hundreds of councils that attended our recent Australian Council of Local Government was that this extension will give them more flexibility to plan for and deliver these works.

“Whether it’s upgrading surfaces at local sporting fields, improving audio-visual capabilities at community halls, or repairing roads that have been washed away – councils can now lock in their grant agreements and get this important work underway.

“Phase 4 will build on around 9,500 projects supported nationwide through Phases 1-3 of LRCI, and will support a number of local employment and economic opportunities - particularly in our rural, regional, and remote areas.”