The NSW Nationals in the federal government are investing an additional $500 million in the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program through the 2022-23 Budget, delivering a major boost to communities across the country and delivering the projects they need and deserve.
This funding will support more community infrastructure projects, boosting local jobs and driving the economic growth to make our nation as strong as possible as quickly as possible.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the quick delivery of projects under the LRCI Program will stimulate local economies.
“This highly successful program has supported an estimated 9,000 jobs and nearly 7,900 individual projects,” Mr Joyce said.
“Our additional funding brings the total Commonwealth Government commitment to the Local Roads and Community Program to $3 billion.
“Delivering more local road and community infrastructure projects will make and towns and communities stronger and wealthier, and that is why we continue to invest in this vital initiative.”
Assistant Minister for Local Government Kevin Hogan said the program forms part of the Nationals’ commitment to back local councils and their communities through COVID-19 and secure a stronger future out the other side of the pandemic.
“Local councils have been putting in some hard yards supporting their communities through the toughest times of the last few years, so I’m thrilled to be putting even more funding in their hands to help them do that,” Mr Hogan said.
“This program also asks local councils to use local businesses and workforces to deliver their projects where possible and that’s exactly what we have been seeing, meaning these funds continue to flow on to hard-working Aussies, their families, and then back into their communities.”
Councils will be able to access funding through the LRCI Phase 3 extension from July 2023.
For more information on the LRCI Program, visit https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/about/local-initiatives/local-roads-and-community-infrastructure/
