Alongside Australia’s 537 councils, the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) is urging the Government to extend its highly successful Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program in Tuesday’s Federal Budget to create jobs, drive economic development, and ensure no community is left behind.
ALGA President Linda Scott said this $2.5 billion program has assisted Australia’s councils to deliver thousands of new libraries, community centres, sporting facilities, recreation trails, bike paths and playgrounds.
“The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program was established to create jobs and support local economic recovery, and it’s been a terrific success,” Cr Scott said.
“We understand that the last two years have been expensive for all governments but cutting this program now would be selling our communities short.”
“Many of our councils and communities are still reeling from the cumulative impacts of droughts, bushfires, COVID-19 and flooding, and need ongoing support.”
“We’re asking for a four-year, $500 million per annum extension of this program, that will help us to make our communities safer, healthier, more productive and more resilient.”
“Independent analysis shows that this extension would create almost 4,000 new jobs and add more than $600 million per year to Australia’s Gross Domestic Product.”
“More importantly, it would provide every Australian community with the opportunity to play a meaningful role in Australia’s post-pandemic recovery.”
“This is a proven program that’s delivering lasting results, and we look forward to working with the Government to deliver even more projects in our local communities.”