Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain, has announced an additional $64 million in local roads and infrastructure funding for South Australian councils – with 48 out of 74 Local Government Areas in the state locking in funding agreements so far.
The funding has been announced under Phase 4 of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program in South Australia.
“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,” said Minister McBain.
“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.”
District Council of Elliston 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.
City of Marion Council will receive over $1 million, including $500,000 towards renewing the footpath and landscaping on Raglan Avenue from Marion Road toward Towers Terrace Roundabout.
City of Burnside will replace the ageing gas pool heater at the George Bolton Swimming Centre with an all-electric heating system with around $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.
“Councils across South Australia are working tremendously hard to ensure local infrastructure is safe, reliable and fit-for-purpose – which is why we continue to invest in getting local priorities off the ground,” said Senator Don Farrell.
“We are delivering on our election commitment and injecting an additional $64 million across South Australia – which will underpin the delivery of high-impact projects that meet the needs of communities.”
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 townships connected during future flooding events.
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 by the 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 1,000 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.
“LRCI funding is a real game changer for South Australian communities. 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,” said Local Government Association of South Australia Chief Executive, Clinton Jury.
“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,” he said.
