The Federal Government has announced a total of $21.7 million for 34 projects under the latest round of the Special Local Roads Program.
Unique to South Australia, the program enables the state’s 68 councils to pool together a portion of their Federal road funding – and distribute it through competitive grants.
It supports the delivery of high priority projects that would otherwise exceed an individual council’s capacity – with $17.9 million from this round flowing to regional and rural roads, and $3.8 million to metro projects.
“This $21.7 million will improve the safety of local road networks across the state, making it easier to drop the kids off at school, and for tourists to experience everything that South Australia has to offer,” said Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain.
“We know that roads across regional South Australia are not only under more demand than ever, but critical to keeping our supply chains moving – which is why the bulk of this round’s investment is targeting high-priority regional upgrades.”
Works will include resealing and reconstruction of roads, shoulder widening, and improvements to kerbs and gutters.
This includes $993,000 to complete the third and final stage of the Billiatt Road reconstruction in the District Council of Loxton Waikerie.
As the gateway to the Billiatt Conservation Park and the main tourism route in the region, the works will seal and widen the road from 6.2 metres to 7.6 metres to accommodate increased traffic, including road trains.
“The Billiatt Road project has been ongoing for several years and we’re extremely excited to enter the final stage,” said District Council of Loxton Waikerie Mayor, Trevor Norton.
“These works have been made possible by previous Special Local Roads Program funding and we’re grateful to again be a recipient under this latest round to complete the vital reconstruction of the road for our community and visitors to our region.
“Once finished, Billiatt Road will be better equipped to handle increased freight and tourist traffic, making it safer for locals, workers and visitors travelling to and from the Riverland,” he said.
Improving the safety of Hawker Street at Brompton is something the local community has long called for – with $600,000 flowing to the City of Charles Sturt to reconstruct the road, and to upgrade street lighting.
The City of Holdfast Bay Council will receive $200,000 to improve the safety of the emu school crossing on Partridge Street at Glenelg, and to upgrade the roundabout at Colley Terrace and Anzac Highway, which will reduce congestion.
“Councils do an incredible job improving and maintaining South Australia’s local road network, but it’s a costly process that’s reliant on support from other levels of government,” said Local Government Association South Australia President, Mayor Dean Johnson.
“The $21.7 million allocated through the Special Local Roads Program this year – which LGA is pleased to facilitate for our councils – will help enhance liveability in local communities and make our roads safer and more accessible.”
The Roads to Recovery program is progressively increasing from $500 million to $1 billion per year, with South Australian councils receiving $395 million over five years – an increase of $153 million.
“South Australian councils, particularly smaller, regional councils, are constantly balancing service and infrastructure delivery against the growth of rates,” said SA Minister for Local Government, Joe Szakacs.
“Through these merit-based grants councils have a chance to undertake important road improvements they wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford.
“This is a terrific initiative, unique to South Australia, that sees all three levels of government working hand-in-hand to deliver the best outcomes for South Australians.”
For more information on the Special Local Roads Program, administered by LGA South Australia, visit: www.lga.sa.gov.au/members/infrastructure-and-assets/special-local-roads-program.
For the full list of 2024-25 funded projects, visit: https://www.dit.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/1396195/special_local_roads_program_2024-25.pdf.
