The Australian Government has committed $500 million to the Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCI Program) to support jobs, businesses and the resilience of local economies. As the closest tier of government to the community, local governments have a critical role in delivering vital services and ensuring the quality of life for communities across Australia. Local governments are now also playing a key role in protecting the community from the impacts of COVID-19.
From 1 July 2020, councils will be able to access funding to support delivery of priority local road and community infrastructure projects. Councils will be able to select the projects to be funded in their community according to priorities at the local level. Projects need to be additional to councils pre-COVID work plans and must be completed by the end of the 2020-21 financial year.
Funding for our region’s councils are:
- Adelaide Hills Council $781,415
- Alexandrina Council $685,920
- Kangaroo Island Council $487,807
- Mount Barker District Council $676,351
- City of Onkaparinga $2,463,485
- City of Victor Harbor $355,740
- District Council of Yankalilla $245,369
Eligible local road projects could include works involving any of the following associated with a road:
- traffic signs;
- traffic control equipment;
- street lighting equipment;
- a bridge or tunnel;
- a facility off the road used by heavy vehicles in connection with travel on the road (for example, a rest area or weigh station);
- facilities off the road that support the visitor economy; and
- road and sidewalk maintenance, where additional to normal capital works schedules.
Eligible community infrastructure projects could include works involving:
- Closed Circuit TV (CCTV);
- bicycle and walking paths;
- painting or improvements to community facilities;
- repairing and replacing fencing;
- improved accessibility of community facilities and areas;
- landscaping improvements, such as tree planting and beautification of roundabouts;
- picnic shelters or barbeque facilities at community parks;
- playgrounds and skateparks (including all ability playgrounds);
- noise and vibration mitigation measures; and
- off-road car parks (such as those at sporting grounds or parks).