SOUTH Australia’s councils will be given an extra $40m over the next two years to help with critical upgrades of the state’s local road network.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said the supplementary funding was on top of grants the Federal Government had already given the state under the financial assistance and Roads to Recovery programs.
“This extra $40m will be distributed to every one of South Australia’s 68 councils, as well as five Aboriginal communities, via the State Government,” Mr Chester said.
“We have agreed the payments will be fast-tracked so that works can starts on road improvements as soon as possible.
“Each council will be able to use the money they get as they see fit, whether that be for new roads, increasing capacity on existing roads or for general safety improvements.
“By providing funding directly to councils, we are putting power back in their hands and giving them the ability to identify and prioritise the roads they need fixed.”
South Australian Minister for Regional Development Geoff Brock said the supplementary local road funding program would be of enormous assistance to South Australia’s councils.
“Maintaining and upgrading our roads is of incredible importance and priority to South Australia’s councils,” Mr Brock said.
“The South Australian Government looks forward to working directly with local councils and ensuring the funding is distributed in a timely and effective manner.”
Individual local government allocations are recommended by the South Australian Local Government Grants Commission.
