As part of the 2020-21 Budget, the LNP Government has announced a $1 billion extension to the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program.
The Australian Government is partnering with councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia, supporting jobs and the resilience of local economies to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Program, announced as part of the Australian Government’s infrastructure stimulus package in May this year, received strong community and local government support.
Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said the extension of funding for local councils will go a long way to assisting regional communities in their COVID-19 recovery.
“We will continue to work closely with our local governments, who play such a critical role in delivering vital services and ensuring the quality of life for communities across Australia post COVID-19.
“This is another example of the Australian Government supporting local government to deliver local priorities building in record levels of Roads to Recovery funding and the highest ever Financial Assistance Grants allocation in 2020-22,” Ms Landry said.
Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said council was committed to improving local roads and infrastructure.
“The extra $4.3 million in funding we will receive through this extension has tripled our initial LRCI budget and will allow us to bring critical projects forward,” he said.
“This is good news in such tough economic times.”
Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Margaret Strelow welcomed the announcement.
“Local government has proven that it can get money flowing quickly into a local economy and deliver jobs. This is a double win for our community as we will not only boost the economy but also be able to bring forward great projects,” Mayor Strelow said.
Whitsunday Regional Council Andrew Willcox said this funding was great news, especially for our business, tourism and rural communities.
“Upgrades to our huge road network will provide a massive boost to our Whitsunday community and improve connectivity within our region.
“It will also assist our battling tourism sector by improving the experience for the valuable drive market which has crucial during the COVID pandemic,” Mayor Willcox said.
Livingstone Mayor Andy Ireland said the additional funding was welcome news for the local community.
“This funding will help Council build vital community infrastructure and we thank the Federal Government for delivering this stimulus in such challenging times,” Mayor Ireland said.
“Local governments have been significantly impacted since the pandemic and this funding is hugely beneficial because it will help Council to deliver essential infrastructure and upgrade roads.”
FUNDING BREAKDOWN
| Council | Initial LRCI Allocation (Construction by 30 Jun 2021) | Allocation under LRCI extension (construction by 31 Dec 2021) | Total LRCI Funding |
| Isaac RC | $1,546,389 | $1,579,953 | $3,126,342 |
| Livingstone Shire Council | $906,477 | $1,605,268 | $2,511,745 |
| Mackay RC | $1,956,590 | $4,373,723 | $6,330,313 |
| Whitsunday RC | $1,050,537 | $1,629,782 | $2,680,319 |
| Rockhampton RC | $1,483,455 | $3,131,662 | $4,615,117 |
| $6,943,448 | $12,320,388 | $19,263,836 |
ABOUT LRCI
Following strong community and local government support of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, the Australian Government will continue to support Australia’s economic recovery by committing an additional $1 billion in funding through an extension of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program. This brings the total Australian Government commitment to the LRCI Program to $1.5 billion. Local governments play a critical role in delivering vital services and ensuring the quality of life for communities across Australia. Over recent months, LRCI funding has enabled local governments to support local communities to bounce back from the impacts of COVID-19.
The LRCI Program Extension will further assist our local communities in emerging from the pandemic strong and resilient. The LRCI Program Extension will continue to assist local governments to deliver local road and community infrastructure projects, and create local job opportunities across the nation, particularly where employment in other sectors (e.g. tourism) have been negatively impacted.
From 1 January 2021, councils will be able to access funding to support the delivery of priority local road and community infrastructure projects, with the Program being extended until the end of 2021. This additional funding will have a greater focus on supporting local governments in more populated areas to assist in Australia’s economic recovery by continuing to create and support local job and business opportunities.
Benefits of LRCI
- Local councils will be able to access additional funding to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia, further supporting jobs and the resilience of local economies to help communities bounce back from COVID-19.
- The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure and Road Safety Programs are expected to support over 10,000 jobs.
- Funding provides greater flexibility for communities to help address their local priorities. Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program Extension
