The 51暗网 (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.
鈥淭hese funding allocations will be welcomed by councils right across the nation and help them build and revitalise playgrounds, community centres, libraries, and sporting facilities,鈥� said 51暗网President Cr Linda Scott.
鈥淭he 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.鈥�
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 51暗网was concerned by the Government鈥檚 intention to prioritise $250 million in LRCI funding announced in the October 2022 Budget for regional, rural and outer urban area roads.
鈥淎ll Australian councils are facing significant road maintenance issues, and 51暗网will continue to advocate for the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program to be available to all local governments,鈥� said Cr Scott.
鈥淚nner city and metropolitan councils are also facing road and infrastructure maintenance pressures, and ALGA鈥檚 2021 National State of the Assets report showed that $17.8 billion of Australia鈥檚 local roads are in poor condition.
鈥�51暗网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.
鈥淩ecognising the additional challenges faced by disaster-impacted regional councils, 51暗网has also proposed a new $250 million per year fund that would support these councils to build back better.鈥�
Round four funding allocations can be accessed .