The Federal Government has announced support for South Australian Councils to help them deliver local high impact priorities programs through the $3.25 billion Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program.
An additional $64 million is set to flow under Phase 4 of LRCI in South Australia, with 48 out of 74 local government areas in the state locking in funding agreements to date.
Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, the Hon Kristy McBain MP said they were providing much needed help for high priority infrastructure.
“The Albanese Government is partnering with South Australian councils to provide them with the funding and flexibility they need to progress high-priority road and community infrastructure projects.
“By strengthening the capacity of councils to deliver these initiatives, we are supporting the creation of local jobs, improvoing road saftey, boosting economic opportunities, and advancing a range of new community experiences and positive social outcomes.
“I look forward to finalising the remaining agreements – because every grant we lock in with South Australian councils marks a forward step in delivering important projects that have lasting benefits.”
Local Government Association of South Australia chief executive, Clinton Jury believes the funding is a major boost for the state’s council’s.
“LRCI funding is a real game changer for South Australian communities,” he said.
“It is supporting councils to progress a range of diverse projects – from improved audio-visual capabilities at community halls, upgrades to surfaces at local sporting fields, and repairs to roads that have been washed away by floods.
“The additional $64 million under Phase 4 will ensure South Australian councils can continue to move from planning to delivery of projects, which is why it’s important they lock in their funding agreements as soon as possible.
“We know that the best outcomes are achieved when we work together, which is why we’ll continue to collaborate with the Federal Government on future funding arrangements for local governments – so that we can progress common objectives for South Australia.”
Those set to benefit include the District Council of Elliston, which will receive over $786,000 to support playground upgrades, construction of a new men’s shed, resealing of in-demand road networks, and improved drainage along local roads to improve safety and reduce the risk of flooding.
Yorke Peninsula Council has also locked in their funding agreement, and will receive over $1.4 million to upgrade the unsealed North Coast Road – which will reduce its long-term maintenance, and make it easier for tourists to explore the area and invest in local businesses.
The City of Marion Council will receive over $1 million under Phase 4, including over $500,000 towards renewing the footpath and landscaping on Raglan Avenue from Marion Road toward Towers Terrace Roundabout.
The City of Burnside will replace the ageing gas pool heater at the George Bolton Swimming Centre with an all-electric heating system – helping reduce emissions, lower power bills, and inject savings to other essential community services, with over $567,000 under Phase 4.
Under Phases 1-3 of LRCI, more than 500 projects have already been completed across South Australia, with a further 51 expected to be finalised within the next year.
More than $52 million in LRCI funding flowed to South Australian councils during the 2022–23 financial year, contributing to projects such as the Community Hub and the Stebonheath Road Reconstruction at Munno Para West, floodway upgrades near Coober Pedy, and a revitalised youth precinct at Streaky Bay.
In Munno Para West, $2.8 million in funding from LRCI and more than $600,000 in funding from the Roads to Recovery program is supporting the City of Playford to reconstruct Stebonheath Road, with completion expected soon.
The $3.4 million floodway upgrades along Kempe Road and Anne Beadell Highway, near Coober Pedy in the far north of South Australia were completed in June this year to improve the resilience of the roads and keep outback township.
LRCI funding of $20,000 will enable Wudinna District Council to deliver targeted improvements to the central retail district of Wudinna township with upgraded landscaping and signage. Fully funded bythe Australian Government, this beautification project is expected to be finished in June next year.
The playground and skate parks at Streaky Bay will be refurbished and expanded to provide a safe and inclusive community youth precinct where locals and visitors can play, engage and connect with each other – with $300,000 funding through LRCI.
Of more than 1000 LRCI funded projects approved in South Australia to date, just under one third are road projects, with the rest delivering community infrastructure, or a combination of both road and community infrastructure projects.
Nationally, LRCI is currently funding more than 9,500 projects, with an additional $250 million promised by the Albanese Government at the last election, to be delivered through Phase 4 to target road projects in rural, regional and outer urban areas, on top of the previously announced $500 million.
For more information, visit investment.infrastructure.gov.au/about/local-initiatives/local-roads-and-community-infrastructure-program
