More than $1.64m will be injected into the region to improve road infrastructure across the Limestone Coast.
On Tuesday the Federal Government announced $21.7m will flow to 34 projects under the latest round of the Special Local Roads Program (SLRP).
Works will include resealing and reconstruction of roads, shoulder widening, and improvements to kerbs and gutters.
The Limestone Coast works will improve road safety, boost tourist access to key parts of the state, and help reduce congestion.
Each council within the Limestone Coast Local Government area listed to receive funding will match dollar-for-dollar the SLRP contribution.
This will mean a total investment of more than $3.28m towards local road infrastructure upgrades.
Mount Gambier City Council will receive $67,000 towards resealing 1.4km section of Grant Avenue.
Grant District Council will receive $200, 00 to widen and reconstruct a 7.3km section of Wandilo Forest Road.
Wattle Range Council will receive $625,000 towards the Tower Road heavy vehicle bypass at Penola.
Naracoorte Lucindale Council will receive $680,000 for the critical freight route along Diagonal Road at Coles.
Tatiara District Council will receive a total of $270,000, to be distributed between projects at Keith and Bordertown.
The SLRP supports the delivery of high priority projects that would otherwise exceed an individual council’s capacity.
State Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Tom Koutsantonis welcomes any initiative designed to help councils.
“This innovative funding solution from the Australian Government will support councils in maintaining and improving South Australia’s critical local roads network – and that will provide a broader benefit that extends beyond individual council areas,” he said.
Local Government Association South Australia President Dean Johnson said the program will help enhance liveability in local communities and make our roads safer and more accessible.
“Councils do an incredible job improving and maintaining South Australia’s local road network, but it’s a costly process that’s reliant on support from other levels of government,” he said.
SA Minister for Local Government Joe Szakacs said this was a terrific initiative that saw all three levels of governwvwment working hand-in-hand to deliver the best outcomes for South Australians.
“Through these merit-based grants councils have a chance to undertake important road improvements they would not otherwise be able to afford,” he said.
