The 2024-25 round of the Special Local Roads grants program is now open to applications, giving local councils across South Australia access to funding to support local road projects.
The program provides essential funding for strategic and significant roads in metropolitan and regional areas across the state.
LGA President, Mayor Dean Johnson, said that the funding – which comes from councils pooling together portions of their federal road funding – enables local governments to tackle strategic local road projects that would otherwise stretch beyond their budget capacities.
“The Special Local Roads Program is a great example of South Australian councils working together to support the construction and maintenance of key local roads – both sealed and unsealed – and bridges, to help build stronger communities,” Mayor Johnson said.
“Ensuring our local roads are up to scratch improves the safety and experience of all motorists, including visitors from interstate, which in turn promotes economic and business growth as well as local employment.
“By sharing their federal road funding, councils can target the high priority roads which need the most attention and provide safer and more reliable roads for everyone.”
Councils are responsible for maintaining and upgrading 76 per cent of South Australia’s road network and rely on state and federal funding to keep roads safe.
But with huge cost increases for road materials and labour, there is a strong need for additional funding.
“Further investment in South Australia would make a significant difference to the scope and size of works councils are able to carry out on local roads, providing bigger benefits to communities,” Mayor Johnson said.
South Australian Minister for Local Government and Regional Roads, Geoff Brock, said that the Special Local Roads Program highlights the value of governments coming together to improve road safety.
“This additional government support allows councils to deliver local projects that benefit their communities and the wider road network,” Mr Brock said.
“Regional roads are a key focus, enabling the sector to identify works needed and invest in upgrades that may otherwise be out of reach.”
Federal Minister for Local Government, Kristy McBain, said that the program continues to support councils across South Australia to progress their high-priority road projects.
“We want roads, especially in our regional areas to be safe and reliable – so that locals can drop off the kids and get to work efficiently, so that visitors can get around and experience what South Australia has to offer, and so that our supply chains can keep moving,” Minister McBain said.
“By extending this program in 2024-25, we’re not only assisting councils to improve their local road network, we’re supporting them to reinvest money saved into other important local services – because when all levels of government work together, local communities reap the rewards.”
With the latest round of the Special Local Roads Program now open, Mayor Johnson encouraged all councils to get their applications in as soon as possible.
“Nearly $18 million was awarded to successful councils through last year’s program, supporting 28 vital projects across South Australia – from the Eyre Peninsula to the Limestone Coast, and everywhere in between,” Mayor Johnson said.
“These works help to transform significant and strategic local roads across the state, improving safety, productivity and reliability for the freight network, tourists and locals.
“I encourage councils to apply for funding through the Special Local Roads Program’s 2024-25 round.”
Applications are open until 4pm, Monday 29 April.
