The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has welcomed the Coalition’s commitment today to reinstate the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program if elected on 3 May.
ALGA President, Gladstone Mayor Matt Burnett said the funding program was a game-changer, supporting all 537 of the nation’s councils to build, maintain and upgrade thousands of libraries, recreation centres, playgrounds, skate parks, bike paths, and roads.
“The formula-based program was an extraordinary success, driving an almost $1 billion improvement in the condition of our local facilities over three years,” said President Burnett.
“Unfortunately, the final round of LRCI funding was allocated in July 2023, and since then we have been advocating for the program’s return.
“We are thrilled that the Coalition has recognised the value of investing in our communities, and committed to bringing back the Local Roads and Community infrastructure Program at $1 billion per year if they form government.”
President Burnett said the non-competitive formula-based structure of the LRCI was one of its biggest strengths.
“Many Australian councils are facing a financial sustainability crisis, and it is formula-based, non-competitive federal funding provided to all local governments that provides our communities with the best results.”
“What we need now is for this commitment to be enshrined in legislation like Roads to Recovery. Without funding certainty we cannot do the long-term planning that our communities need.”
In the lead up to this year’s election, ALGA is calling for $3.5 billion through five new formula-based, non-competitive funding programs for all councils, to include:
- – $1.1 billion per year for enabling infrastructure to unlock housing supply;
- – $500 million per year for community infrastructure;
- – $600 million per year for safer local roads;
- – $900 million per year for increased local government emergency management capability and capacity; and
- – $400 million per year for climate adaptation.Â
Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) Chief Executive, Alison Smith called on Federal Labor to now show its support for councils and local communities by urgently matching the Coalition’s commitment.Â
“If Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Labor party want the support of local communities then they need to match this commitment immediately,” said Ms Smith.
Modelling undertaken by the LGAQ shows Queenslanders stand to miss out on an average $150 each in grassroots funding if the LRCIP is discontinued.
The LRCIP funding allocation provided to Queensland councils is estimated to contribute approximately $668 million to Queensland’s economy, supporting almost 4,000 fulltime equivalent jobs across the state, including almost 1,300 direct jobs, Ms Smith said.
