A new $63 million investment will fast-track critical road safety and freight access upgrades across Australia, as part of the Federal Government’s Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program (SLRIP).
Targeted at regional and rural areas, the funding will support 23 council-led projects designed to address infrastructure gaps and improve road resilience, safety and freight productivity.
Major allocations include:
- $22.4 million for eight projects in New South Wales
- $19.5 million for seven projects in Victoria
- $15.6 million for five projects in Queensland
- $4.8 million for two projects in Tasmania
- $1.4 million for one project in Western Australia
In New South Wales, the Cessnock City Council will receive $1.4 million to design and construct a replacement for the Wyndham Street Bridge in Greta – a project critical to safety and connectivity.
The largest Victorian grant ($5 million) will allow Ararat Rural City Council to reconstruct, widen and seal Buangor-Ben Nevis Road in Bayindeen, enhancing access for heavy vehicles in a high-agricultural-use corridor.
In Queensland, $3.4 million will go to Mt Isa City Council for the design and construction of a heavy vehicle wash bay on the Barkly Highway at Kalkadoon, supporting both biosecurity and freight efficiency.
Technical improvements across the tranche include road widening and sealing, shoulder treatments, realignments, and installation of safety barriers. Several projects involve bridge, culvert or causeway upgrades, and others target flood-prone sections to boost climate resilience.
The SLRIP consolidates the previous Bridges Renewal and Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity programs and commits a minimum of $200 million annually for local road upgrades. Funding is application-based and merit-assessed, with councils required to demonstrate alignment to defined infrastructure priorities.
“The Albanese Government is working with local governments to deliver and maintain transport infrastructure that increases productivity and makes our communities safer,” said Minister for Infrastructure Catherine King.
Regional Development Minister Kristy McBain said: “Local governments are the key driver and delivery partner in maintaining and upgrading road infrastructure and our government is supporting them to deliver these priority upgrades.”
Several projects also fall under the separate $140 million Heavy Vehicle Rest Area initiative, which operates within SLRIP and targets a long-term shortage of rest stops. This initiative is guided by a dedicated industry steering committee chaired by Senator Glenn Sterle.
All approved projects must meet quarterly reporting obligations under streamlined SLRIP guidelines. Applications for future tranches remain open year-round.
