Federal funding increases for safer and more productive local roads

The funding boost will be phased in to eventually double Roads to Recovery from $500 million to $1 billion per year, increase Black Spot funding by $40 million per year and merge existing heavy vehicle and bridge initiatives to create a new program.

Local Government Association of SA President Mayor Dean Johnson welcomed the increased funding, emphasising the importance of strengthening road safety and improving freight productivity outcomes on local roads.

"We welcome this extra funding and thank the Albanese Government for listening to our councils about the urgent need for road funding in our state.

“Councils manage a big portion of the nation's road network and that comes at a very high price tag – this extra funding will go a long way to support better outcomes for communities, the growth of our regions and industry productivity.

"It's not just about road maintenance; it's about creating safer, more efficient roads that reduce congestion and enhance connectivity.
"Increases to the Black Spot Program will improve road conditions, while extra funding for Roads to Recovery means we can tackle critical infrastructure needs," Mayor Johnson said.

The increased funding follows the federal government's independent Infrastructure Investment Review, which cut funding from key road projects in South Australia.

"It's disappointing funding has been axed on existing projects like the Truro Bypass and Hahndorf township improvements – councils want to see these projects go ahead for the long-term prosperity of their areas and are now left to find alternative solutions," Mayor Johnson said.

The latest funding increases align with the Grattan Institute's report Potholes and pitfalls: how to fix local roads, recommending the Federal Government increase funding to allow councils to act on road safety and productivity improvements.

"South Australia's councils have routinely voiced concern about the need for increased funding to support the repair and ongoing maintenance of local roads, particularly in the regions.

"We need funding on the ground, being delivered straight to communities where it is going to matter most.

"Increasing funding under the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program and Bridges Renewal from $150 million to $200 million through a new Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program is positive for communities and industry," Mayor Johnson said.

"This investment is particularly critical for our state's regional areas, where ageing infrastructure like bridges are not structurally-fit to accommodate modern heavy vehicles and freight loads.

"For regional councils, financing local road and bridge infrastructure improvements without assistance is near impossible – particularly when they also face damage from natural disasters.

"This new funding ensures our roads are not only safer for communities but are capable of supporting the economic growth needed in our regions.

"We look forward to working with the Commonwealth collaboratively to ensure this funding gets to where its needed and makes the biggest difference," Mayor Johnson said.