Applications are now open for the Australian Government’s new Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program (SLRIP).
The new program will provide increased funding for projects to address current and emerging priorities in road infrastructure needs, including on regional and remote roads.
It consolidates the Bridges Renewal Program (BRP) and Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program (HVSPP), with the Heavy Vehicle Rest Area initiative continuing to operate under this new program.
At least $200 million will be available for projects under SLRIP each year.
State and territory governments and local councils are able to apply for funding of up to $5 million per project through the program, which will be merit-based.
Applications can be for projects seeking to improve road safety, productivity, bridge renewal, road resilience, sustainability and/or heavy vehicle rest areas.
Applications for SLRIP will remain open on a rolling basis.
“The Australian Government recognises that local governments in particular require more funding to manage the rising costs and increased pressure on transport infrastructure due to climate change and extreme weather events,” said Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King.
“The increased funding for the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program is a part of a series of changes aimed at strengthening investment in safer, more productive local roads across Australia.”
The Australian Government is also releasing new guidelines for the Black Spot Program, with flexibility to address locations where crashes are occurring or are at risk of occurring.
Black Spot Program funding will also progressively increase to $150 million per year.
The crash history requirements for a Black Spot have been reduced outside of urban areas, allowing problems to be addressed more quickly. Works can be ‘bundled’ together in areas such as those with high pedestrian activity.
Anyone can nominate a Black Spot for consideration.
“This additional investment in the Commonwealth’s two cornerstone local roads investment programs will lead to safer and more productive roads across Australia,” added King.
Roads to Recovery funding has also risen to $650 million this year, up from $500 million last year, and will rise to $1 billion per year by 2027-28.
Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Minister, Kristy McBain added: “These funding increases will support councils to progress a pipeline of future projects – to make the local roads we use every day safer, and to ensure that heavy vehicles can deliver essential products and services more efficiently.”