Thanks to critical infrastructure funding from the Albanese Government, local roads across the country will receive more than $63 million for life-saving upgrades. 

This significant investment will help fund 23 new projects in regional and rural Australia under the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program (SLRIP), including: 

  • $22.4 million for eight projects in New South Wales 

  • $19.5 million for seven projects in Victoria 

  • $15.6 million for five projects in Queensland 

  • $4.8 million for two projects in Tasmania 

  • $1.4 million for one project in Western Australia 

In Greta, NSW, the Cessnock City Council will receive $1.4 million to design and construct the replacement of the Wyndham Street Bridge.

The Ararat Rural City Council will receive $5 million to reconstruct, widen and seal Buangor-Ben Nevis Road in Bayindeen, Victoria. 

In Kalkadoon, Queensland, the Mt Isa City Council will receive $3.4 million to design and construct a heavy vehicle wash bay and facilities on the Barkly Highway.

All 23 projects will be delivered by local governments and will receive funding for upgrades including: 

  • improving road safety with the realignment of roads, shoulder sealing, rumble strips, safety barriers and median changes

  • widening and sealing roads for heavy vehicle access

  • new or upgraded heavy vehicle rest areas

  • replacing and/or strengthening bridges, culverts and causeways

  • upgrading/raising roads to improve flood resilience, and  

  • additional road links between communities to reduce risk of isolation during an emergency.

These improvements will help deliver significant benefits for road users by alleviating traffic congestion, reducing travel times and increasing road safety. 

SLRIP is part of the Albanese Government’s commitment to strengthen investment and support the delivery of safer and more productive roads across Australia. 

For more information and the list of funded projects, visit Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program.

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

“The Albanese Government is working with local governments to deliver and maintain transport infrastructure that increases productivity and makes our communities safer.

“We have increased funding under the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program to make sure we continue to invest in better, safer local roads across all states and territories.  

“This funding will enable local councils to improve road safety in a way that reduces the burden on them, cutting red tape and administrative burden to allow more money and time to be spent directly on projects.”

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

“From Cape York to South Cape Bay, the Albanese Government is investing in safer roads right across the country.

“Local governments are the key driver and delivery partner in maintaining and upgrading road infrastructure and our government is supporting them to deliver these priority upgrades.   

“The Albanese Government is firmly committed to ensuring all Australians have access to essential services and come home safe at the end of the day.”