The Federal Government pours billions into major highways but we also assist councils upgrade local roads and streets.
The Sunshine Coast Council has received a generous allocation of just over $14.5million under the new Roads to Recovery Program to prioritise local roads that need improvements.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Program would provide $2 billion to local government bodies across Australia from 2019−20 to 2023−24.
“The Coalition Government is investing $400 million each and every year following an extension of the Program in the 2016 Budget to deliver a further $50 million per annum from 2019−20 onwards,” Mr McCormack said.
“This means that the majority of councils will receive more Roads to Recovery funding in the 2019‑20 to 2023-24 program than their base allocation in 2014-15.”
The Roads to Recovery Program involved close collaboration between the Australian and local governments to deliver the road infrastructure improvements required to support economic growth.
Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien said the latest allocation to the Sunshine Coast was great news for the electorate.
“The funding provides councils with the ability to invest in upgrading local roads, thereby helping to improve safety and efficiency levels for all users of the network and economic growth in their communities,” said Mr O’Brien.
The allocations for Fairfax and Fisher have been calculated using the proportion of Financial Assistance Grants that each local governing body receives and updated assessments undertaken by local government grants commissions.
The Coalition Government clearly demonstrated its commitment to continuing this important partnership by recently ensuring that no new legislation will be required to extend the program in the future.
Through the Roads to Recovery Program, the Government supports councils with the ongoing maintenance of Australia’s local road infrastructure, facilitating greater access and improved safety, economic and social outcomes.