Road upgrade funding

MEMBER for Barker Tony Pasin has welcomed additional funding of $40m over two years for South Australia’s councils to help with critical upgrades of the state’s local road network.

Locally, a total of $338,004 has been allocated to Mount Gambier City Council, $168,638 to Grant District Council, $266,674 to Wattle Range Council, $241,683 to Naracoorte Lucindale Council, $125,781 to Kingston City Council and $54,198 to the District Council of Robe.

Mr Pasin said the supplementary funding was in addition to Federal Government funding allocated to councils through the Financial Assistance Grants and Roads to Recovery programs.

“The Commonwealth Government has agreed that the payments will be fast-tracked so that works can start on road improvements as soon as possible,” he said.

“Each council will be able to use the money they get as they see fit, whether that is 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.

“After all, they are best placed to know which roads need upgrades and which projects will have the best return to their community and local economy.”