The Australian Government is investing $150 million to fix remote roads across Australia through the new Remote Roads Upgrade Pilot Program.
This trial program is aimed at unsealed roads in remote areas across the country, which many have not been upgraded since the Great Depression.
The program will be providing councils around 80 to 100 per cent funding to seal roads and improve safety by delivering works such as resurfacing, removal of dangerous corners as well as management of vegetation.
“This is not about sealing roads; it is about making them safe. It is about putting down gravel to stop parents getting bogged in the rail when they drive their kids to school; it is about removing dangerous corners. Many of these remote roads haven’t been touched since the Great Depression.
“The Liberals and Nationals Government will partner with local government in delivering this new funding to address many neglected roads that are out of sight to most people. We recognise the cost of upgrading rural and regional roads are often prohibitive for local governments,” Acting Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce said.
The Remote Roads Upgrade Pilot Program will target to seal roads worth more than 20 kilometres long and guidelines for the program is due to be released by the end of the year.
According to Mr Joyce, road toll in regional areas was four times higher compared to in major cities and about 10 times higher in remote communities.
“Our regional towns are the lifeblood of our nation, and every Australian deserves safe and efficient roads regardless of where they live.
“It is critical we ensure everyone has equitable access to local community centres including schools and medical care and that citizens are not cut off from their local townships due to the condition of roads.
“This program will support our existing record investment under the Liberal and National Government’s 10-year, $110 billion nationwide infrastructure investment program,” Mr Joyce said.
The Australian Government is going to be working with local councils as well as state and territory jurisdictions to identify projects that should be included in the program.
Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; The Nationals for Regional Australia; The Canberra Times