Media release
Federal Budget 2006: Local government reaction
ALGA applauds additional road funding in nation-building Budget
An additional $300m for local roads, announced in tonight's Federal Budget, has been warmly welcomed by the President of the Australian Local Government Association, Cr Paul Bell, as a much-needed boost that will enhance productivity, lift regional development and improve the daily lives of all Australians.
The Budget provides an additional $300m for the current Roads to Recovery program, bringing the total allocation to $1.65bn over its four year funding period (2005-06 to 2008-09).
The amount will be allocated this financial year for projects to be completed by councils over the next three years.
"This is what nation building is all about - investing in infrastructure that is essential to every Australian community," Cr Bell said.
"Roads to Recovery is a critically important program for local government.
"It provides funding directly to councils to help with the massive task of maintaining the nation's 680,000km of local roads, or 85% of the entire road network.
"Roads to Recovery is producing very real and tangible results for Australian communities.
"It is boosting economic development, creating employment and improving the lives of countless Australians through 15,000 projects from our city centres to remote communities.
"It is doing this by replacing ageing bridges and upgrading intersections, by sealing roads and improving traffic flows, by easing congestion and improving safety.
"ALGA and state local government associations have lobbied hard for additional federal funding for local roads over the past few years.
We're very pleased to see the Australian Government recognise the need for additional investment in road infrastructure and provide a very significant boost to the Roads to Recovery program.
"In particular, we appreciate the work and vision of the Minister for Transport and Regional Services, Warren Truss, and the Minister for Local Government, Territories and Roads, Jim Lloyd.
"We also appreciate the Opposition's support for the Roads to Recovery program, particularly its commitment to renew the program at the last federal election," Cr Bell said.
ALGA has also welcomed a number of other funding initiatives in tonight's Budget of importance to Australia's 700 councils, including:
- Additional funding for the Hume ($800m), Bruce ($268m) and Pacific ($160m) Highways
- $561m to upgrade other major highways
- $500m for the Murray-Darling Basin
ALGA's Budget analysis will be available on Wednesday at: www.alga.asn.au
- Contact
- Cr Paul Bell AM, ALGA President - 0418 791 596
- Rohan Greenland, ALGA Public Affairs - 0412 85 9434 / 02 6122 9434
