Another $1b in infrastructure funding unlocked for local councils

• Another $1 billion is up for grabs for local councils as the Federal Government opens up the third phase of its Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program
• Local council have already received a combined $1.5 billion in funding under the first two phases of the projects, with the third phase now open for nominations
• Under the LCRI program, local councils can nominate a range of local projects to receive funding, including traffic signs, street lighting, Wi-Fi networks, and park upgrades
• Assistant Minister for Local Government Kevin Hogan says shovels can hit the ground as soon as work schedules are approved
• The LRCI program comes amid the Federal Government’s 2021 Australian Infrastructure Plan, which advocates $110 billion infrastructure investment over the next 15 years

Another $1 billion is up for grabs for local councils around the nation as the Federal Government opens up the third phase of its Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program.

Under the major infrastructure programs, local councils have already received a combined $1.5 billion for 6100 projects around the country.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce today said guidelines for the third phase of the program are now online, meaning councils can begin nominating their projects to receive the funding.

“This funding will go directly to local governments to help them deliver some of their priority projects, creating jobs and ensuring funding flows across our regions,” Mr Joyce said in a statement.

“From sealing rough regional roads and installing safety barriers, to upgrading sporting facilities and installing Wi-Fi networks, this program delivers the local projects that communities need and deserve.”

The LRCI program comes amid the Federal Government’s 2021 Australian Infrastructure Plan, which advocates for a wave of new infrastructure reform to be driven by an unprecedented $110 billion infrastructure investment.

Over the next 15 years, the government plans to address a range of areas for reform such as city redevelopment, public and private transport, and digital services.

Meanwhile, under the LCRI program, local councils can nominate a range of local projects to receive funding, including traffic signs, street lighting, bridges and tunnels, and road improvements.

The program also has scope for community infrastructure projects, meaning councils can nominate park upgrades, new Wi-Fi networks, and bike and walking path improvements.

Assistant Minister for Local Government Kevin Hogan said under the third and final phase of the program, shovels can hit the ground as soon as work schedules are approved.

“I call on all local councils to work with us to get this funding out the door and benefitting their communities as soon as possible by nominating projects now,” Mr Hogan said.

“This program also asks local councils to use local businesses and workforces to deliver their projects where possible and that’s exactly what we have been seeing, meaning these funds continue to flow on to hard-working Aussies, their families, and then back into their communities.”