The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) says Queenslanders stand to miss out on the equivalent of $150 each in grassroots funding unless the Federal parties agree to protect the future of a critical council infrastructure program.
The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCIP) have provided councils across the state with funds needed to build roads, sporting grounds and other vital community facilities.
Exclusive figures analysed by the Association show every Queenslander has benefited from the program to an average $150 each.
LGAQ Chief Executive Officer, Alison Smith the numbers proved the case for the return of the LRCIP or equivalent new program.
“The LRCIP funding allocation provided to Queensland councils is estimated to contribute approximately $668 million to Queensland’s economy over the course of the program in total, including $206.9 million directly,” Ms Smith said.
“That supports almost 4,000 fulltime equivalent jobs across Queensland, including almost 1,300 direct jobs.
“And when you look at the funding spread, it is obvious the widespread value a local infrastructure and roads program gives to Queensland councils, communities and ratepayers.”
The LGAQ has released the electorate-by-electorate amounts in a bid to convince parties and candidates of how vital the LRCIP funding has been in each area and to urge them to continue or replace it in full.
The LGAQ has also written to all Queensland sitting MPs, Senators and candidates in key electorates with the LRCIP data for their constituency. With Queensland’s population projected to grow by more than 1.5 million people in the next two decades, improving community infrastructure has never been more urgent.
“The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program has delivered significant benefits to Queensland communities,” LGAQ President Matt Burnett said.
“It stimulates local economies, supports businesses, and creates employment opportunities.
“The LGAQ is urging all parties and candidates to recognise the importance of this program and commit to its continuation beyond 30 June 2026 or full replacement, and to reinstate funding from this program to community infrastructure, not just roads.”
Maranoa Regional Council Mayor, Wendy Taylor said the LRCIP has been a vital funding source for the Council, enabling the delivery of 43 projects across its four phases.
“These projects have provided essential upgrades to our road network, improved community facilities, and supported economic growth in our region,” said Mayor Taylor.
“Without the program, many of these projects would not have been delivered or would have come at the expense of other priority infrastructure programs. The program has allowed Council to value-add to existing projects, ensuring that infrastructure upgrades are delivered at a higher standard, with greater long-term benefits to the community.
“With the program set to wind up in 2026, there is an urgent need for a permanent, direct Federal funding model that enables councils to continue delivering the infrastructure our communities rely on.
“Without this certainty, regional projects will face delays, funding shortfalls and reduced capacity to meet local infrastructure needs.”
Longreach Regional Council Mayor, Tony Rayner said that without the program’s funding, remote councils like Longreach will struggle to maintain and upgrade social infrastructure.
“This isn’t just about roads and facilities – it’s about sustaining our communities and keeping them liveable, connected, and economically resilient,” he said.
“The Ilfracombe Multi-Purpose Courts are a prime example of what LRCI funding has made possible. This project provided work for seven different contractors, and has given our community a high-quality, fully shaded facility for tennis, basketball, and netball. Without LRCI, delivering infrastructure like this in rural and remote communities would be incredibly difficult, if not impossible.
“Councils know the needs of their communities better than anyone, and direct, allocative funding ensures that vital projects—like the Ilfracombe Multi-Purpose Courts – continue to be delivered where they’re needed most.
“Without this kind of ongoing investment, regional communities will face stalled projects, lost jobs, and deteriorating infrastructure. This isn’t just good policy – it’s essential for the future of regional Australia.”
LGAQ has welcomed the opening of the Federal Election campaign as an opportunity for all candidates to commit to ending a broken 50-year-old funding model holding councils and their local communities back and redoubled their calls for fairer funding, policy changes and critical emergency weather infrastructure to support local communities ahead of the 3 May Election.
More information on the campaign can be viewed here. View LRCI spend and impact per Federal electorate here.
