The Hon Catherine King MP
More funding for local road infrastructure priorities
The Albanese Government is delivering on our election commitment to provide an extra $250 million dollars for road projects in rural, regional and outer-urban areas under Phase 4 of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
The additional $250 million investment is available to councils classified as rural, regional or outer-urban to spend on road projects.
466 of Australia’s 550 councils will benefit from this extra funding committed to by Labor at the last election.
The Government has drawn on the Australian Classification of Local Governments, as a robust framework underpinning the determination of eligible councils for this additional $250 million in funding.
In March, the Government extended project construction timelines for Phases 1–3 of the program. Councils across Australia will 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.
Individual council allocations are available on the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program website.
Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
“We are delivering our election commitment of a further $250 million through Phase 4 to prioritise road upgrades in regional, rural and outer urban areas.
“We know many councils across the country are 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 standing stand side-by-side with local governments to support them in their vital role in delivering critical infrastructure 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 the LRCI program, because we know that this will supoprt councils to plan for larger or more complex projects that make a bigger impact in their community.
“I’ve met with close to 200 local councils since May last year, and the resounding feedback has been that this extension will enable them to progress their higher-priority projects – and now this work can commence.
“Phase 4 will build on around 9,500 projects supported nationwide through Phases 1-3 of LRCI, and will make a positive impact in communities – particularly those in rurual, regional, and remote areas.”