JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

THE HON CATHERINE KING MP, MINISTER FOR INFRASTRUCTURE, TRANSPORT, REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

THE HON KRISTY MCBAIN MP, MINISTER FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT, LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND TERRITORIES

THE HON SHAYNE NEUMANN MP, FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BLAIR

The Albanese Labor Government is delivering on an 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 (LRCI) Program.

Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann today announced that Ipswich City Council and Somerset Regional Council will benefit from this funding boost to support local road projects, to the tune of more than $5 million collectively.

In the latest Phase 4 funding allocation, Ipswich City Council will receive $2.3 million ($2,327,860), plus an additional $1.3 million ($1,342,762), totalling $3.7 million ($3,670,622).

Somerset Regional Council will be allocated $987,796 with an additional $569,783, for a total of $1.6 million ($1,557,579) in funding.

Phase 4 of the LRCI 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. 

The additional $250 million investment is available to 466 of Australia’s 550 Local Government Areas classified as rural, regional or outer-urban to spend on road projects, and this includes both Ipswich and Somerset councils.

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.

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 Program construction timeframes for all three phases.

Individual council allocations are available on the LRCI Program website: https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/about/local-initiatives/local-roads-and-community-infrastructure/

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said the Albanese Government was delivering on its election commitment of a further $250 million through Phase 4 to prioritise road upgrades in regional, rural and outer metro areas.

“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.

“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 for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Minister Kristy McBain said that Phases 1-4 of the LRCI Program involve $3.25 billion of Australian Government funding, with Phases 1-3 supporting around 9,500 projects nationwide.

“We recognise the positive difference LRCI-supported projects make to communities.

“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.”

Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said the funding was a big win for the local community.

“I know what a difference good local roads and community facilities can make to our communities.

“This is a key concern for Ipswich City Council and Somerset Regional Council, particularly following last year’s floods.

“I look forward to working with both councils to get on with the work of delivering the infrastructure our community needs and deserves.”