Extra funding available for local government through national infrastructure programs

The Australian Government has made additional funding available for the Bridges Renewal, National Stronger Regions and Roads to Recovery programs in the next financial year.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said the second round of funding from the $300 million Bridges Renewal Program opens for proposals on 1 July.

“This program gives councils the support they need to deliver better transport links for their communities and industries, and Round Two will be restricted to local government, with up to $100 million to be made available for local bridge upgrade projects,” said Mr. Truss.

Round Two of the National Stronger Regions Fund is also open and accepting applications until 31 July.

Approximately $700 million in funding has already been allocated for use on local road projects under the $2.1 billion Roads to Recovery Program.

“The $500 million Black Spot Program will also deliver important road safety upgrades to communities across Australia. The Australian Government has announced an additional $200 million over two years covering 2015–16 and 2016–17 for the program, almost tripling our original commitment,” said Mr. Truss.

An additional $200 million has been provided to continue the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program.

“These programs, along with other initiatives such as the $229 million National Highway Upgrade Program and the $333 million drought relief package, will ensure councils have access to the funding they need to build the infrastructure they require,” he said.

“The Australian Government will also continue its support of local governments via the Financial Assistance Grant program, which will provide an estimated $9.45 billion to all councils across the forward estimates. The funds will be untied, so local government can spend their full allocation on their own local priorities.”

Mr. Truss said that as the closest tier of government to Australians, local governments played a critical role in maintaining and developing the nation’s social and economic fabric.