Making local roads safer through much-needed federal funding
LGA has been calling for more road funding for South Australia to better support upkeep on the road network and the construction of new road priorities, particularly in regional and rural areas.
With an annual national allocation of up to $200 million, the new program aims to address road infrastructure needs and improve road safety outcomes.
LGA South Australia President Mayor Dean Johnson said federal road funding was vital to deliver safer and more productive roads.
“Councils maintain the bulk of South Australia’s road network – about 76% – and need adequate funding to support road priorities like safety, resilience and sustainability,” Mayor Johnson said.
“Road quality is not only essential for safer roads but also for a productive economy, as road conditions, including heavy vehicle access on bridges, directly affects the efficient transport of goods and services.”
The new program brings together the Bridges Renewal Program, Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program, and includes the Heavy Vehicle Rest Area initiative.
Other federal road initiatives announced:
- New guidelines to be released for the Black Spot Program with greater flexibility to address locations where crashes have occurred or are at risk.
- Black Spot Program funding will progressively increase to $150 million per year.
- Roads to Recovery funding has risen to $650 million in 2024-25, increasing to $1 billion by 2027-28.
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the Australian Government recognises local governments require more funding to manage the rising costs and increased pressure on transport infrastructure due to climate change and extreme weather events.
“The increased funding for the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program is a part of a series of changes aimed at strengthening investment in safer, more productive local roads across Australia,” Minister King said.
“This additional investment in the Commonwealth’s two cornerstone local roads investment programs will lead to safer and more productive roads across Australia.
“We are committed to delivering the funding local councils need to improve road safety and in a way that reduces the burden on them, allowing more money to be spent on projects and less on administration.”
Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Kirsty McBain said local road networks, particularly in our regions are ageing and under growing demand.
“We’ve engaged extensively with local councils around how we can continue to support the delivery of their targeted road improvements,” Minister McBain said.
“We’re progressively doubling Roads to Recovery to $1 billion per year, increasing the Road Black Spot program to $150 million per year, and establishing the $200 million Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program – a $50 million boost.
“These funding increases will support councils to progress a pipeline of future projects – to make the local roads we use every day safer, and to ensure that heavy vehicles can deliver essential products and services more efficiently.”
While welcoming these initiatives, Mayor Johnson stressed the need for a fairer share of federal road funding for South Australia.
"These nationally competitive programs are a positive step," said Mayor Johnson.
"However, we must continue to push for a fairer share of overall federal funding to go direct to councils, allowing local governments to address the specific needs of South Australia's extensive local road network."
An independent research report conducted by the Grattan Institute in 2023 showed an extra $1 billion was needed each year to ensure councils across Australia can adequately maintain local roads.
Local councils, alongside state and territory governments, can apply for up to $5 million per project.
For projects submitted by local government the program will contribute:
- up to 80% of the total project cost for initiatives located in regional and remote areas
- up to 50% of the total project cost for projects located in urban areas.
Applications to the Safer Local Roads Infrastructure Program close 30 September 2024.
Find out more
For more information about federal road funding programs, including guidelines and how to apply, visit the Australian Government's Infrastructure Investment Program.