Funding injection to deliver 23 new road upgrades across Australia

The Australian Government is committing $63 million to deliver life-saving upgrades to local roads across the country. 

About 23 new projects in rural and regional Australia will be funded by this significant investment under the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program (SLRIP). The breakdown of funding are: 

• $22 million for eight projects in New South Wales 

• $19.5 million for seven projects in Victoria 

• $15.6 million for five projects in Queensland 

• $4.8 million for two projects in Tasmania 

• $1.4 million for one project in Western Australia 

“The Albanese Govenrment is working with local governments to deliver and maintain transport infrastructure that increases productivity and makes our communities safer. 

“We have increased funding under the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program to make sure we continue to invest in better, safer local roads across all states and territories. 

“This funding will enable local councils to improve road safety in a way that reduces the burden on them, cutting red tape and administrative burden to allow more money and time to be spent directly on projects,” Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said. 

All the projects will be delivered by local governments and the funding will be used for upgrades including: 

• Improving road safety with the realignment of roads, shoulder sealing, rumble strips, safety barriers and median changes 

• Widening and sealing roads for heavy vehicle access 

• New or upgraded heavy vehicle rest areas 

• Replacing and/or strengthening bridges, culverts and causeways 

• Upgrading/raising roads to improve flood resilience 

• Additional road links between communties to reduce risk of isolation during an emergency 

In New South Wales, the Cessnock City Council will receive $1.4 million to design and build the replacement of the Wyndham Street Bridge in Greta. 

The Ararat Rural City Council will receive $5 million to recontruct, widen and seal Buangor-Ben Nevis Road in Bayindeen in Victoria. 

Meanwhile in Queensland, the Mt Isa City Council will receive $3.4 million to design and construct a heavy vehicle was bay and facilities on the Barkly Highway in Kalkadoon. 

All road improvements delivered through this program will provide significant benefits for road users by alleviating traffic congestion as well as reducing travel times and increasing road safety. 

SLRIP is part of the Australian Government’s commitment to strengthen investment and support the delivery of safer and more productive roads across the country. 

“From Cape York to South Cape Bay, the Albanese Government is investing in safer roads right across the country. 

“Local governments are the key driver and delivery partner in maintaining and upgrading road infrastructure and our government is supporting them to deliver these priority upgrades. 

“The Albanese Government is firmly committed to ensuring all Australians have access to essential services and come home safe at the end of the day,” Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Minister Kristy McBain said. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Infrastructure Magazine; Roads & Infrastructure Australia