The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) has welcomed a Federal Government commitment to extra funding under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program, but repeated its call for the program to be made permanent.
Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain MP announced the $151.5 million in funding under Phase 4 of LRCI.
LGAQ chief executive officer, Alison Smith said while the latest funding was welcome, councils and their communities looked forward to receiving annual funding certainty from the program.
“Funding through LRCIP continues to help councils across Queensland bring vital projects to life, which is why Queensland councils want to see this important program made permanent, to keep on enhancing the liveability of communities across the state,” Ms Smith said.
Currently, funding for the program is due to end in June 2026.
“This follows the Federal Government’s decision to exclude some councils from the latest round and to cut community infrastructure.”
“Councils and communities deserve fair and firm funding. They can’t deliver if the goal posts keep shifting.
“Our members are clear in their resolve that this program should continue – for community infrastructure as well as roads and for all councils.
“We will continue to advocate for this program to continue permanently and be indexed annually, so that it can keep locking in great results and delivering for communities statewide,” said Ms Smith.
