SA councils secure funding to deliver local road upgrades

The Australian Government is investing $21.7 million to get several road projects underway across South Australia, as part of the Special Local Roads Program. 

This program, which is unique to South Australia, enables 68 local councils to pool together a portion of their federal road funding and distribute it through competitive grants. The pooled funds will support the delivery of high priority projects that would have exceeded an individual council’s capacity. 

“The Albanese Government continues to turn national funding into local results, by partnering with local councils across South Australia to deliver their priority road projects. 

“This $21.7 million will improve the safety of local road networks across the state, making it easier to drop the kids off at school, and for tourists to experience everything that South Australia has to offer. 

“We know that roads across regional South Australia are not only under more demand than ever, but critical to keeping our supply chains moving – which is why the bulk of this round’s investment is targeting high-priority regional upgrades,” Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government Kristy McBain MP said. 

The latest round of the Special Local Roads Program will deliver 34 projects that will improve road safety and reduce long-term road maintenance. 

About $17.9 million of the current funding will flow to regional and rural roads while metro projects will receive $3.8 million. 

These projects will help improve road safety, boost tourism to key parts of South Australia as well as help reduce congestion on local roads. 

Works to be carried out will include resealing and reconstruction of roads, shoulder widening, and improvements to kerbs and gutters. 

“We welcome any initiative designed to help councils reduce the maintenance task on local government owned roads. 

“This innovative funding solution from the Australian Government will support councils in maintaining and improving South Australia’s critical local roads network – and that will provide a broader benefit that extends beyond individual council areas,” SA Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Tom Koutsantonis MP said. 

The funding includes $993,000 to complete the third and final stage of the Billiatt Road reconstruction in the District Council of Loxton Waikerie. 

This road is the gateway to the Billiatt Conservation Park and is the main tourism route in the region. Works on Billiatt Road will include sealing and widening the road from 6.2 metres to 7.6 metres to accommodate increasing traffic volumes, including road trains. 

“The Billiatt Road project has been ongoing for several years and we’re extremely excited to enter the final stage. 

“These works have been made possible by previous Special Local Roads Program funding and we’re grateful to again be a recipient under this latest round to complete the vital reconstruction of the road for our community and visitors to our region. 

“Once finished, Billiatt Road will be better equipped to handle increased freight and tourist traffic, making it safer for locals, workers and visitors travelling to and from the Riverland,” District Council of Loxton Waikerie Mayor Trevor Norton said. 

$600,000 will also flow to the City of Charles Sturt to improve the safety of Hawker Street in Brompton, which has been long been called for the local community. Works will include reconstructing the road and upgrading street lighting. 

Meanwhile, the City of Holdfast Bay will receive $200,000 to help improve the safety of emu school crossing on Partridge Street in Glenelg and to upgrade the roundabout at Colley Terrace and Anzac Highway, ultimately reducing congestion in the area. 

The full list of projects funded through the most recent round of the Special Local Roads Program can be found here. 

“Councils do an incredible job improving and maintaining South Australia’s local road network, but it’s a costly process that’s reliant on support from other levels of government. 

“The $21.7 million allocated through the Special Local Roads Program this year – which the LGA is pleased to facilitate for our councils – will help enhance liveability in local communities and make our roads safer and more accessible,” Local Government Association South Australia President, Mayor Dean Johnson said. 

Nationally, the Federal Government is delivering significant funding increases to support local councils deliver their priority projects. 

This includes the Roads to Recovery program progressively increasing from $500 million to $1 billion annually, with South Australian councils receiving $395 million over five years. 

The Road Black Spot Program is also increasing to $150 million per year, and the new Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program is making $200 million available each year. Both programs are open for application year-round. 

“South Australian councils, particularly smaller, regional councils, are constantly balancing service and infrastructure delivery against the growth of rates. 

“Through these merits-based grants councils have a chance to undertake important road improvements they wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford. 

“This is a terrific initiative, unique to South Australia, that sees all three levels of government working hand-in-hand to deliver the best outcomes for South Australians”, SA Minister for Local Government Joe Szakacs MP said. 

Source: Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories; Local Government Association of South Australia (1, 2); Council Magazine; Infrastructure Magazine