$17.9 million to improve South Australian roads

The Albanese Labor Government continues to support local government across South Australia improve road safety and reduce long-term road maintenance, with over $17.9 million to flow to 28 projects under the latest round of the Special Local Roads Program.

Unique to South Australia, the program enables the state’s 68 councils to pool together a portion of their federal road funding – and distribute it through competitive grants, which help strengthen councils’ capacity to deliver local projects that are high-impact.

Stretching from Eyre Peninsula to the Limestone Coast – successful projects will transform significant and strategic local roads across the state, reducing congestion, bolstering the freight network, and improving tourist access.

The funding will support resealing and reconstruction of roads, shoulder widening, improving kerbing and guttering, along with better connecting local road networks.

This includes the Stage 5 works of the Bratten Way freight route redevelopment, being delivered by the Lower Eyre Peninsula Council.

The council is entering the fifth phase of the 10-Stage, decade-long project – which will total $18 million once completed – and has received $940,000 through the latest Special Local Roads Program round to upgrade a 3.2-kilometre stretch of the road between Cummins and Kapinnie.

For more information on the Special Local Roads Program – administered by the Local Government Association of South Australia, visit: www.lga.sa.gov.au/members/infrastructure-and-assets/special-local-roads-program

For the full list of funded projects, visit: www.dit.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/1263615/special_local_roads_program_2023-24.pdf

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, the Hon Kristy McBain MP:

“We want roads, especially in our regional areas to be safe and reliable – so that locals can drop off the kids and get to work efficiently, so that visitors can get around and experience what South Australia has to offer, and so that our supply chains can keep moving.

“That’s why we’ve extended this program and continue to strengthen the capacity of South Australian councils to deliver priority road projects – because when all levels of government work together, local communities reap the rewards.

“Every cent counts for local councils, which is why this $17.9 million will make a huge impact on the ground in South Australia – and mean that money saved in the immediate and long-term will be reinvested into other important local services.”

Quotes attributable to SA Minister for Local Government and Regional Roads, the Hon Geoff Brock MP:

“In the current economic climate, we know councils are facing increased challenges with rising material and labour costs and have the difficult job of trying to keep rates low for residents while still maintaining essential infrastructure, like local roads, in their communities.

“We will continue to highlight to our federal partners how important it is for our councils to receive their fair share of funding when it comes to local roads.”

Quotes attributable to Local Government Association of South Australia Chief Executive, Clinton Jury:

“South Australia has 11 percent of the nation’s local roads and councils do an exceptional job maintaining them – however, they can’t do it alone and rely on federal and state funding to carry out these important works.

“The Special Local Roads Program is just one of many infrastructure grants the LGA advocates for on behalf of councils, with Financial Assistance Grants and other federal road programs being crucial sources of funding.”

Quotes attributable to Lower Eyre Peninsula Mayor, Jo-Anne Quigley:

“My council previously received funding through the program in 2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22 for the Bratten Way redevelopment, highlighting just how important it is.

“Without funding through the Special Local Roads Program, our council wouldn’t have the capacity to complete this vital project for our region.

“The redevelopment of Bratten Way will transform this key roadway on the Eyre Peninsula to ensure it remains fit for purpose in facilitating freight transport across our state.

“We’re almost halfway through the 10-year expected timeline for this project and still have plenty of work ahead to bring it to completion.

“We greatly appreciate the external funding support we’ve received through the Special Local Roads Program to get us to this point, and we look forward to further collaboration as the Bratten Way redevelopment progresses over the next five years.”