March 17, 2023
Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers has been urged to act on a call by the Australian Local Government Association to increase road funding for local councils by $300 million per year when he drafts his May Budget.
Shadow Minister for Local Government Darren Chester said local roads had been hammered by natural disasters and prolonged wet weather.
“Talk to any regional Australian about the issues which concern them most and the state of the road network is always near the top of the list,” the Nationals MP said.
“They are enduring potholes, road closures and deteriorating conditions which are damaging their vehicles and have become a contributory factor to road crashes which already cost our nation more than $30 billion per year.
“We are all expected by law to maintain our vehicles and drive roadworthy cars but regional Australians are driving on dangerous surfaces which aren’t ‘car-worthy’.”
“The ALGA Budget bid for $300 million in additional funding each year is undeniable given the seasonal conditions, inflationary pressures and the deteriorating state of the local road network.
“Much of Australia’s road network was established more than a century ago and is struggling to cope with the agricultural machinery and high productivity freight vehicles which are essential for regional prosperity.
“Sure, maintenance funding isn’t sexy and the local MP doesn’t get to cut a ribbon to open a newly repaired pothole. But the Treasurer needs to understand that councils are the level of government with the greatest capacity to deliver immediate road safety and productivity improvements, and he should listen to peak bodies and motorists who are desperate for increased funding.”
