Funding plan for dodgy & dangerous rural roads

I am calling on locals to come forward with suggestions of any rural roads that are unsealed and unsafe as they may be eligible for funding under the new $150 million Remote Roads Upgrade Pilot Program.

The Government recognises local government bears the brunt of the often significant costs of upgrading rural and regional roads, and we are stepping in to back councils to undertake crucial works.

We will partner with local government to deliver this funding and address many neglected roads that most people don’t see.

Everyone should have access to local community centres, including schools and medical care, and nobody should be cut off from their township because of the condition of the roads.

Councils will be offered between 80% and 100% of funding to upgrade unsealed roads and improve safety with works including resurfacing, removing dangerous corners and managing vegetation.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said regional towns are the lifeblood of the nation, and every Australian deserves safe and efficient roads regardless of where they live.

“This is not about sealing roads; it is about making them safer. It is about putting down gravel to stop parents getting bogged in the rain when they drive their kids to school; it is about removing dangerous corners. Many of these remote roads haven’t been touched since the Great Depression,” Mr Joyce said.

“This new funding will support our existing record investment under the Government’s 10-year, $110 billion nationwide infrastructure plan.”