The Coalition, led by Peter Dutton and Nationals Leader David Littleproud, has announced a commitment to invest $1 billion in the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program if elected to government. This funding will be split evenly between two streams: a $500 million Resilience and Community Infrastructure Stream open to all councils to enhance disaster resilience and community infrastructure, and a $500 million Roads Stream focused specifically on regional councils to repair potholes and maintain local roads. The initiative aims to empower local councils by giving them the flexibility to prioritize projects based on community needs, thereby strengthening communities, boosting local economies, creating jobs, and preparing for future challenges such as natural disasters.
This revitalised program builds upon the previous success of the LRCI program under the former Coalition government, which delivered critical upgrades to local infrastructure. The Coalition emphasizes local decision-making as essential to achieving the best outcomes and has committed to working closely with local governments. The program is expected to deliver funding in a single round for the 2025-26 financial year, with particular benefits for regional areas such as the Riverina, which is set to receive over $27 million under the initiative.
The Coalition’s funding promise is welcomed by local government associations including WALGA and LGA South Australia, who see it as a vital investment to meet growing community infrastructure needs and improve the safety and quality of regional roads. This commitment also contrasts with criticisms of the current Labor Government for delays and cuts in local infrastructure funding, positioning the Coalition as the advocate for regional and local government interests ahead of the upcoming election.
Media Headlines & Framing
Context & Background
The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program was initially introduced by a previous Coalition government to provide flexible federal funding to local councils for critical infrastructure projects, particularly targeting regional and rural needs. The program is notable for empowering councils to select projects that address their specific local challenges, from fixing roads to building community facilities. The funding is divided between boosting resilience to natural disasters and improving road infrastructure, which is crucial given Australia’s vast and varied geography.
Under the current Labor government, the program was discontinued, and there have been concerns over delayed and insufficient funding for local governments, particularly in regional areas. The Coalition’s proposal to reinstate and inject $1 billion into the program aims to restore this targeted federal support, reinforcing the significance of local government-led infrastructure development. The announcement also aligns with broader Coalition commitments to improve road safety and regional development programs, such as increasing funding for the Roads to Recovery program to $1 billion annually from 2025-26.
In This Story
Peter Dutton
Leader of the Liberal Party and the Coalition, leading the federal opposition and advocating for increased local infrastructure investment.
David Littleproud
Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Agriculture, promoting the Coalition’s $1 billion local infrastructure investment to support regional and rural communities.
Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCI)
A federal funding initiative designed to provide councils with flexible grants to improve local roads and community infrastructure, with a focus on resilience and regional needs.
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