The Albanese Government is delivering on our election commitment to provide an extra $250 million dollars for road projects in rural, regional and outer-urban areas under Phase 4 of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.

Senators from Victoria, Senator Stewart, Senator Ciccone, Senator White and Senator Walsh have just announced that 58 Victorian municipalities will benefit from the election commitment of a further investment through Phase 4 to support local road projects.

This announcement will see a funding boost of over $51.3 million allocated towards Victorian councils classified as rural, regional, or outer-urban to spend on essential road projects.

Phase 4 of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program has already delivered $500 million to Australian councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects in their region, creating jobs and long-lasting benefits for communities. 

466 of Australia’s 550 councils will benefit from the extra funding committed to by Labor at the last election.

The Government has drawn on the Australian Classification of Local Governments, as a robust framework underpinning the determination of eligible councils for this additional $250 million in funding.

“Phases 1-4 of the LRCI program involve $3.25 billion of Australia Government funding, with Phases 1-3 supporting around 9,500 projects nationwide.” Minister Kristy McBain said.

“We are steadfast in our support and recognition for local councils as trusted delivery partners of the crucial infrastructure and services communities need and deserve.”

“We have listened to councils and are standing stand side-by-side with local governments to support them in their vital role in delivering critical infrastructure for their communities.” Minister Catherine King said.

“We know many councils across the country are struggling to maintain and improve their local road networks – especially following repeated flooding and other natural disasters in recent times.”

In March, the Government extended project construction timelines for Phases 1–3 of the program. Councils across Australia will now have until 30 June 2024 to complete works, giving them a much-needed extra year on the LRCI construction timeframes for all three phases.

The complete list of council allocations are available on the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program website.

Quotes attributable to Senator for Victoria, Jana Stewart:

“Rural, regional and outer-urban councils have such an essential place in the Victorian community. That’s why the Albanese Labor Government is equipping local councils across Victoria with over $51.3 million in additional funding under Phase 4 of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.”

“We’re delivering on a key election commitment and listening to our communities to deliver on much-needed regional and outer-urban road infrastructure projects across our state.”

Quotes attributable to Senator for Victoria, Raff Ciccone:

“This is a great example of the Federal Government and local councils working together to deliver positive outcomes for the community.

“This additional funding will ensure councils in Victoria can maintain and improve local roads in rural and regional areas.”

Quotes attributable to Senator for Victoria, Linda White:

“This funding boost will help councils do what they do best: delivering the infrastructure their communities need with local, on the ground knowledge.”

“Regional councils have been hit particularly hard recently by floods and natural disasters. This funding increase will help those councils recover by improving local roads and supply chain infrastructure.”

Quotes attributable to Senator for Victoria, Jess Walsh:

“This funding will go towards maintaining and improving the roads that regional Victorian’s rely on to get to work, school, and then home safely to family and friends.”

“Local governments play a vital role in delivering critical infrastructure for our communities, and we are here to support them.”