(ALGA Update – 26th October 2022)
The first Labour Government Budget has delivered a number of new and expanded programs including:
- A $250 million expansion of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, secured through ALGA’s advocacy, taking this program through to 2025-26 and a total value of $3.25 billion.
- $200 million per year for disaster mitigation from 2023-24, also secured by ALGA, which will help councils better protect our regions from floods, fires and cyclones.
- A new Growing Regions Program and Precincts and Partnerships Program, which will together provide $1 billion over three years, with regional councils eligible to apply to both funds.
- An extra $100 million in Financial Assistance Grants, taking the total value of these grants to $2.92 billion this year (including $2.1 billion pre-paid to councils in 2021-22)
- $80 million to support councils – as well as state and territory governments – to provide heavy vehicle rest stops on their roads.
- $32 million over four years to help councils improve disability access and build up to 400 “Changing Places” toilets.
- A new Australian Apprentices Incentive Scheme which will provide $22 million over four years for 29,000 in-training support places in regional and remote areas.
The Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government the Hon Catherine King MP has announced that the Government has decided not to move ahead with round six of the Building Better Regions Fund, and the Community Development Grants Program.