Media releases

$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.

Nearly $1.8 billion relief for disaster impacted councils Councils across Australia will be able to fast-track local repair works following two devastating years of floods, fires and cyclones, with the Albanese Government to advance nearly $1.8 billion in disaster payments to the states.

Strengthening community engagement and wellbeing in our regions The Albanese Labor Government continues to invest in regional, rural and remote communities to make them more resilient, sustainable and liveable.

Infrastructure boost for Indian Ocean Territories Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands will get more support for infrastructure following the successful passage of legislation to expand the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF).

Bringing back local government to the table The Australian Government has today delivered on an important election commitment for the local government sector, with the Australian Council of Local Government held in Canberra for the first time in a decade.

Helping communities save energy, save on energy bills The Albanese Government is partnering with local government to deliver energy upgrades and bill savings for community facilities like local pools, sporting clubs and community centres, so they can spend more on what they do best.

Council achievements celebrated on national stage Outstanding achievers in local government have been recognised today with the announcement of the 2023 National Awards for Local Government winners.

Update on Christmas Island Strategic Assessment The Australian Government is pausing the Christmas Island Strategic Assessment (CISA) while significant policy and law reforms are ongoing.

Floodway upgrades set to build resilience of two key outback connector roads Floodway upgrades along Kempe Road and Anne Beadell Highway, near Coober Pedy in the far north of South Australia, get underway from this week to improve the resilience of the roads and keep outback townships connected during future flooding event

Upgrading Norfolk Island's telecommunications The Australian Government is providing $7.35 million to the Norfolk Island Regional Council (NIRC) for significant upgrades to Norfolk Island’s telecommunications network over the next two years.

Final seal applied to Silverton Road: culmination of major upgrade for the remote link road A final seal has been applied to Silverton Road, concluding the $5 million project to upgrade the road between Broken Hill and the historic town of Silverton in the New South Wales far west.

$45.1 million for housing in Wreck Bay The Australian Government is committing $45.1 million to invest in housing on Aboriginal Land in Wreck Bay Village in the Jervis Bay Territory as part of the 2023-24 Budget’s $1.9 billion investment in initiatives for Aboriginal

Norfolk Island Administrator appointment The Australian Government has announced the appointment of Mr George Plant as Administrator of Norfolk Island for a period of three years, following a rigorous and transparent appointment process.

Indian Ocean Territories Administrator appointment The Australian Government has announced the appointment of Ms Farzian Zainal as Administrator of Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands for a period of three years, following a rigorous and merit-based selection process.

Guidelines released for new regional grants program Grant guidelines have now been released for the first round of the Australian Government’s new $600 million Growing Regions Program, with expressions of interest to open on July 5 this year.