The Local Government Association (LGA) of South Australia has invited councils to apply for funding to support vital road infrastructure under the latest round of its Special Local Roads Program.
The program provides critical funding for strategic and high-priority road projects in both metropolitan and regional areas, ensuring safer and more efficient transport networks.
LGA South Australia President, Mayor Dr Heather Holmes-Ross, highlighted the importance of the funding, which is made possible by councils collectively pooling portions of their federal road allocations.
“The Special Local Roads Program is an example of South Australian councils working together to enhance local road networks and help build stronger communities,” Mayor Holmes-Ross said.
“This initiative supports the construction and renewal of essential roads – both sealed and unsealed – that are of strategic importance to our state.”
Mayor Holmes-Ross said improving local roads enhances safety and convenience for all motorists, including interstate visitors, and contributes to economic growth, business development, and job creation.
“By combining their federal road funding, councils can prioritise the roads most in need of attention, ensuring safer and more reliable infrastructure for all motorists travelling or working across South Australia.”
Local councils manage 76 per cent of the state’s road network and rely on state and federal funding to maintain them to standard.
LGA said it will again renew calls for additional federal government support ahead of the 2025 federal election.
“We want roads to be safe and dependable,” Mayor Holmes-Ross said.
“This is essential for families, workers, tourists, and supply chains that rely on well-maintained roads to stay connected and deliver services efficiently.”
Mayor Holmes-Ross said the reality is costs for materials and labour is rising and putting a strain on council budgets.
“Additional road investment in South Australia would make a huge difference to the scope and size of works councils can carry out on local roads and provide bigger direct benefits for communities.
“We’ll again be calling on the Federal Government to make permanent the $20 million of annual supplementary road funding South Australia receives, recognising the current inequity that exists compared to other states.”
With applications for the 2025–26 round of the Special Local Roads Program now open, Mayor Holmes-Ross urged councils to lodge their applications as soon as possible.
“This program is regularly oversubscribed and last year, nearly $22 million was allocated to 34 significant projects across South Australia, from the Eyre Peninsula and Mid North to the Riverland and Limestone Coast,” she said.
“These projects deliver critical upgrades to South Australia’s road network, improving safety, productivity and reliability for freight transport, tourists and local residents.
“I encourage all councils to take advantage of this funding opportunity and submit their applications for the 2025–26 round of the Special Local Roads Program.”
Applications are open until 4pm, Monday 14 April with full details available on LGA’s website: www.lga.sa.gov.au/slrp
