Ahead of the 2022 election, Labor has committed $250 million to top-up the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCIP) if elected.
The program supports the creation of new and much-needed upgrades to roads and other infrastructure, including sporting facilities, libraries, playgrounds, and additional community assets.
Queensland councils have welcomed Labor’s proposed expansion of the LRCIP, following extensive campaigning for more funding.
Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) CEO, Alison Smith, said, “This is a most welcome announcement, and we thank the Federal Opposition for grasping the importance to communities of all sizes of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
“We remain hopeful that the Coalition will put a similar top-up on the table, after it extended the program but halved its funding in the 2022 Budget.
“Our member councils count on certainty to continue fostering their communities, so we’re also seeking an iron-clad commitment from both parties that this vital program will be made permanent – and sufficiently funded – into the future.”
The LGAQ said that it wants the funding to be restored – permanently – to $500 million a year (nationally) to create and support more than 700 jobs for Queenslanders, stimulate local economies and build better, more sustainable communities.
Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) President, Linda Scott, said local governments strongly advocated to both major parties for more LRCIP funding in the lead-up to this year’s federal election.
“We welcomed the Government’s $500 million expansion of this program in the 2022-23 Federal Budget, and local governments are thrilled that Labor has today committed to a further $250 million if elected,” Cr Scott said.
“Councils are now calling on the Prime Minister and Coalition to match this commitment and extend the total size of this highly successful funding program to $3.25 billion.”
Cr Scott said since the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program was launched two years ago, local governments have partnered with the Federal Government to deliver thousands of new projects right across the country.
“We have built and upgraded community centres, libraries, skate parks, bike paths, walking trails, swimming pools, playgrounds, and local sporting facilities,” Cr Scott said.
“Working with the Federal Government, we have improved the liveability of our communities, reduced cost-of-living pressures for local families, and created thousands of new jobs.
“Importantly, this federal program provides funding to all councils, so all communities benefit.
“The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program has been a huge success, and we look forward to working with whoever forms the next Federal Government to roll out even more local community infrastructure across our nation.”
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