The Liberal and National parties say they will invest $1 billion to empower local councils across Australia, giving them the flexibility to prioritise and deliver critical community infrastructure and road projects tailored to their communities’ needs.
According to today’s press release, the revitalised Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program will strengthen communities, enhance resilience, and improve local roads.
It will be delivered through two dedicated funding streams, each worth $500 million:
- Resilience and Community Infrastructure Stream – open to all councils, this stream will help strengthen communities against natural disasters and fund essential infrastructure to support local growth.
- Roads Stream – targeted to regional councils to fix potholes, maintain and improve local roads.
Leader of The Nationals, David Littleproud, said the Coalition’s plan puts decision-making in the hands of local councils, ensuring funding is directed to where it’s needed most. ‘These investments will build stronger communities, create jobs, boost local economies and help communities prepare for future challenges, such as natural disasters,’ he said.
‘The Coalition is committed to working with local governments, because we know the best outcomes are achieved when decisions are made at the community level.’
Immediate benefits
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Senator Bridget McKenzie, said the Coalition’s plan would deliver immediate benefits for communities in our suburbs and regions.
‘You don’t have to drive very far out of our capital cities to encounter the extent of degraded roads,’ she said.
‘The poor state of regional road networks impacts road safety outcomes and the efficiency of freight movements. This investment is critical to address dangerous and damaging local roads for all users.’
Senator McKenzie said that under Labor, investment in community infrastructure had gone backwards. ‘We’re going to work to turn this around and also give local councils more say in what they need for their communities.’
Shadow Minister for Local Government, Darren Chester, said the funding commitment stands in stark contrast to Labor’s record of neglecting regional communities and breaking promises to local councils.
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