Local governments receive $117 million to fund road construction and maintenance projects.
More than $100 million is being funnelled to local governments across Australia as part of the latest round of funding under the Roads to Recovery program.
The federally-funded scheme aims to help councils cover the cost of road construction and maintenance.
Federal infrastructure minister Warren Truss says $117 million is being made available to 297 local governments.
The money represents the latest round of quarterly payments and forms part of a $2.1 billion Roads to Recovery commitment between 2014-15 and 2018-19.
“Our Roads to Recovery program enables councils across Australia to direct road construction and maintenance funding to where it is needed most – local roads and streets – ensuring that local knowledge delivers for communities,” Truss says.
“Roads to Recovery is a vital partnership between the Australian Government and councils, supporting them with the ongoing maintenance of Australia’s local road infrastructure, facilitating greater community access, improved safety and better economic and social outcomes.”
The Federal Government has committed to allocating $350 million in the 2015-16 financial year.
The latest round of Roads to Recovery funding comes on the heels of the $114 million commitment made under the Bridges Renewal program. The initiative will provide $300 million in total over five years to help councils upgrade old bridges.