The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has welcomed Shadow Local Government Minister, Darren Chester’s support for a $300 million annual increase to Roads to Recovery funding.
Speaking in Parliament yesterday, Mr Chester said: “The Australian Local Government Association is asking this Labor government to continue to support the Roads to Recovery Program and give additional funding going forward, recognising the escalation in costs that are incurred in doing roadworks. They are asking for an extra $300 million per year. I call on the Minister to take this request seriously.”
ALGA President, City of Sydney Councillor, Linda Scott said it was encouraging to see Mr Chester fighting for councils whose road networks have been severely impacted by recent natural disasters.
“The flooding, fires and cyclones we’ve seen over the past few years are unprecedented. What we need now is unprecedented funding – not just to repair our roads but to strengthen them for future events,” President Scott said.
She said while councils appreciated the significant Federal Government support they receive, an increase in Roads to Recovery funding from $500 million to $800 million per year was urgently needed.
“Considering the ongoing impacts of climate change, we can’t simply rebuild our local infrastructure to current standards – what we need is a fundamental shift in the way we fund, deliver and maintain these assets.”
“This will also help councils to deliver safer roads into the future and support increased national productivity,” she said.
