Applications open for $150 million Remote Roads Upgrade Pilot Program

December 22, 2021

Councils within Wide Bay can now apply for a share of $150 million for upgrades to unsealed roads with applications open for the Liberal and Nationals Government’s Remote Roads Upgrade Pilot Program.

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien is encouraging local councils to consider which roads could benefit from the program, which paves the way for much-needed upgrades to some of Australia’s less travelled roads.

“The Government recognises the cost of upgrading rural and regional roads is often prohibitive for local governments, particularly in large geographic council areas such as those in Wide Bay, and this program provided them with extra help to repair roads that may not have been worked on for some time,” Mr O’Brien said.

“To help improve road safety and accessibility for local traffic and freight, the Government will be funding up to 80 per cent of the approved projects so that our local councils can have projects that are important to the community funded and delivered.

“Families and businesses using these roads will have better access to social, recreational, educational, medical and economic opportunities that will be opened up through this investment, and communities will benefit from the jobs created throughout construction.

“I look forward to working closely with our local Wide Bay councils to secure funding for important road upgrades.”

Unsealed or degraded roads 20 kilometres or longer with a low safety rating are eligible for funding under the program. The project must not have previously received funding under another program, or received significant investment in the last five years.

Applications are open until Sunday, 20 February 2022.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the Government is continuing to invest in the future of regional and remote Australia.

“Our Government is delivering the projects that regional Australians need to live and get ahead,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“Remote roads are out of sight and out of mind for most Australians, but that doesn’t make them any less important to our supply chains and the freight operators and regional Australians who rely on them.

“We’re investing in these upgrades because they will keep Australians who choose to live in remote areas safe on their local roads, towns and communities connected, and freight moving.

“These upgrades will give mums and dads confidence they can get their children to school when it rains, or complete a trip to the supermarket to purchase the products their household needs.

“Improving remote roads will also support our regional businesses, ensuring their products continue to reach supermarkets and ports and keeping them connected with international markets.

“Regional Australians deserve the same services and opportunities as people living in our capital cities and that’s why we’re investing in the projects that are important to people living off the beaten track.”

More information, including program guidelines, is available at: https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/about/national-initiatives/remote-roads-upgrade.aspx

WELCOME TO WIDE BAY

In the spirit of Australia, I acknowledge all citizens who contribute to making our nation the greatest on earth.

I acknowledge our defence force personnel, past, present, and emerging, for their service to our nation, and particularly those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of Australia.

I also acknowledge the Australian taxpayers who, through their hard work, pay for the infrastructure, health, education, and emergency services that keep our proud nation healthy, safe, and prosperous.