Have your say on road grant funding
This review, initiated by the Local Government Grants Commission, focuses on the methodology used to distribute the Identified Local Road Grant (ILRG) component of Financial Assistance Grants.
Importantly, the methodology is also used for other road grant funding programs allocated to councils, meaning any changes may have broader implications for local government road funding.
Current methodology
The current ILRG methodology has remained largely unchanged since 1991. According to the Commission, the review is being undertaken in response to council advocacy and feedback received through public hearings, with the aim of ensuring the methodology remains aligned with legislative requirements, is transparent and principles-based, and addresses any inequities in the current approach.
The Commission is seeking feedback on two key areas:
- Alignment with legislative and policy obligations, including the requirements of the Financial Assistance Grants framework and national funding principles.
- Inputs used in the assessment process, including assumptions and data that influence grant allocations, potential changes to how road costs are assessed, whether revenue-raising capacity should be considered, and the future allocation of funding through the Special Local Roads Program.
The consultation paper outlines a range of potential options but does not identify a preferred approach, with the Commission inviting stakeholders to help shape future arrangements.
How councils can participate
Councils can get involved by:
- view the recently held webinar
- reading the ILRG Discussion Paper and lodging a written submission.
- completing the online survey, which takes approximately 10 minutes and seeks feedback on key methodology principles and design options.
The Commission has indicated that feedback received through this consultation will help inform any future changes to the ILRG methodology and the recommendations made to State and Federal Ministers for the distribution of 2027-28 Financial Assistance Grants.
Councils are encouraged to share their feedback with LGA to inform our submission.
Consultations have been extended to 9 November 2026.
Find out more and participate in the consultation
Visit the YourSAy page to contribute to this consultation.
Councils are encouraged to share their feedback with LGA to support any advocacy by 5:00 pm, 2 November 2026:
Sarah Wozniak
Senior Policy Advisor
Email: sarah.wozniak@lga.sa.gov.au