The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has welcomed the fourth round of federal Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCI) funding, which will provide $500 million to Australian councils for community infrastructure and roads projects.
“These funding allocations will be welcomed by councils right across the nation and help them build and revitalise playgrounds, community centres, libraries, and sporting facilities,” said ALGA President Cr Linda Scott.
“The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program has been extremely successful, and the direct delivery of funding to councils has ensured the quick and effective delivery of local projects.”
Making the LRCI program permanent would enable councils to address the growing demand for new and revitalised community and road infrastructure and benefit every community.
However, Cr Scott said ALGA was concerned by the Government’s intention to prioritise $250 million in LRCI funding announced in the October 2022 Budget for regional, rural and outer urban area roads.
“All Australian councils are facing significant road maintenance issues, and ALGA will continue to advocate for the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program to be available to all local governments,” said Cr Scott.
“Inner city and metropolitan councils are also facing road and infrastructure maintenance pressures, and ALGA’s 2021 National State of the Assets report showed that $17.8 billion of Australia’s local roads are in poor condition.
“ALGA is seeking a $300 million per year increase in Roads to Recovery funding that would support all councils to address the poor state of our national road network.
“Recognising the additional challenges faced by disaster-impacted regional councils, ALGA has also proposed a new $250 million per year fund that would support these councils to build back better.”
Round four funding allocations can be accessed here.