The Federal Budget 2021-22 saw a commitment to Phase 3 of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. An already $1.5 billion program, a further $1 billion was announced as an injection that will enable the continued planning and delivery of priority projects under the program.

This will see upgrades made to roads and pathways, as well as community facilities like halls, parks, sporting grounds and improved accessibility for public facilities. 

Deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack said “this is fantastic news for local councils across Australia” noting the importance of “supporting the resilience of local economies by delivering even more jobs to help communities bounce back from COVID-19, with the additional funding and a longer delivery window to provide greater flexibility for communities to address local priorities.”

Regions located in our service area at Inland Technology are a large focus for the funding. The local council’s in our service area that are set to benefit from the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program include:

• Bogan Shire Council - $1,823,048

• Bourke Shire Council - $1,641,116

• Brewarrina Shire Council - $1,641,116

• Cobar Shire Council – $2,170,422

• Coonamble Shire Council – $1,859,63

• Dubbo Regional Council - $4,292,996

• Gilgandra Shire Council – $1,756,888

• Gunnedah Shire Council – $2,014,400

• Gwydir Shire Council – $2,364,448

• Moree Plains Shire Council – $3,629,776

• Narrabri Shire Council – $2,950,352

• Narromine Shire Council – $1,819,380

• Walgett Shire Council – $2,471,230

• Warren Shire Council – $1,310,516

• Warrumbungle Shire Council – $3,106,732

Funding allocations were determined by a formula accounting for the road length and population of the regions. This financial boost will support the task of getting on top of a backlog of import infrastructure projects in local areas that have otherwise been delayed as a result of a combination of drought, bushfires, floods and the pandemic. Local councils will be able to access the funds for Phase 3 of the program from January 2022.