ALGA has warmly welcomed the Coalition’s commitment today to reinstate their highly successful Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program if elected on 3 May.
ALGA President Matt Burnett said: “Introduced by the Coalition in 2020, the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program was a game-changer, supporting all 537 of our councils to build, maintain and upgrade thousands of libraries, recreation centres, playgrounds, skate parks, bike paths, and of course the roads we all use every day.”
“The formula-based program was an extraordinary success, driving an almost $1 billion improvement in the condition of our local facilities over three years.”
“Unfortunately, the final round of LRCI funding was allocated in July 2023, and since then we have been advocating for the program’s return.
“We are thrilled that the Coalition has recognised the value of investing in our communities, and committed to bringing back the Local Roads and Community infrastructure Program at $1 billion per year if they form government.”
“Reinstating the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program will support every council, and more importantly, provide tangible benefits to every Australian community.
“The state of our regional roads is a big concern, and we are pleased that the renewed LRCI will include funding for regional councils to build and maintain safer local roads.”
Mayor Burnett said the non-competitive formula-based structure of the LRCI was one of its biggest strengths.
“Many Australian councils are facing a financial sustainability crisis, and it is formula-based, non-competitive federal funding provided to all local governments that provides our communities with the best results,” said Mayor Burnett.
“What we need now is for this commitment to be enshrined in legislation like Roads to Recovery. Without funding certainty we cannot do the long-term planning that our communities need.”
“In the lead up to this year’s election, ALGA is calling for $3.5 billion through five new formula-based, non-competitive funding programs for all councils, which would include:
- $1.1 billion per year for enabling infrastructure to unlock housing supply,
- $500 million per year for community infrastructure,
- $600 million per year for safer local roads,
- $900 million per year for increased local government emergency management capability and capacity, and
- $400 million per year for climate adaptation.