The Australian Government has delivered the first payment toward crucial small-scale local road and community infrastructure projects nationwide under a $500 million local government support initiative.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Michael McCormack, says local councils are well positioned to get projects under way quickly as part of national efforts to boost jobs and support communities.

“This week we have got money out the door to the first of more than 40 projects to begin under our $500 million Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program,” McCormack says. “Uptake has been very strong, with more than 175 councils nominating nearly a thousand projects between them.”

According to the minister’s statement, the diverse range of projects that have been nominated will support a broad range of jobs in local communities. Projects supported under the program, which was announced in May, include the sealing of a section of Glen Davis Road by Lithgow Council in New South Wales and the installation of accommodation units at Mortlake Caravan Park by Moyne Shire Council in Victoria.

Minister for Local Government, Mark Coulton, says councils should submit work schedules to the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications.

“I call on all local councils to get the ball rolling on seeking support for their priority road and local community funding initiatives,” Coulton says. “These projects will play an important role in improving local infrastructure, creating local jobs and supporting the nation’s post-COVID recovery.

“Beyond investing in critical local roads, this initial funding will deliver footpaths, sporting field lighting upgrades, tennis court sealing, improving green spaces, carparks, Wi-Fi networks and more.”

Coulton says the government expects councils to use local businesses and workforces where possible to deliver projects to ensure stimulus flows directly to local communities.

“Local Governments across the country are the perfect partners to deliver this economic stimulus as they work directly with their communities to deliver outcomes for their communities,” he says.

The LRCI programme is part of a suite of investments being made by the Australian Government in Local Governments and is in addition to the $1.3 billion in untied funding from 2020–21 Financial Assistance Grant Program, which was pre-paid in June.