Key Points
- Federal Infrastructure Minister announces extra funding for local roads
- Decision is in line with the position put to the Federal Government by WALGA
- Announcement provides funding certainty for local communities
Given a significant shortfall in funding already exists, WALGA welcomes the announcement that funding to maintain local roads has been increased.
The shortfall between actual expenditure on road maintenance and renewal required to keep the network in a constant condition has grown significantly in the past two years mainly due to large increases in road construction costs.
Minister King has announced the Roads to Recovery program funding will be doubled from $500 million to $1 billion per year through phased increases over the forward Federal Budget estimates, while there will be a $40 million per year increase in the Black Spot Program, and a new Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program.
WALGA President Karen Chappel says,
“We are very pleased that the Federal Government has listened to our consistent position that funding for local roads should be increased.
“We also appreciate the Minister’s understanding of how important local roads are to our communities.
The announcement comes after WALGA contributed to the review into the Infrastructure Investment Program (IIP).
Cr Chappel added,
“The Government has also listened to us in that this funding will be delivered in a straightforward way so that Local Governments can focus on the essential work of maintaining and improving roads."
Some 88% of roads used by drivers in Western Australia are local roads.
Local Government roads currently receive around 25% of their funding from Federal sources.
To interview WALGA President Karen Chappel, please contact WALGA Communications Manager Simon Beaumont on 0448 896 435 or via communications@walga.asn.au