General News
16 July, 2024
Rough roads ahead
Yarriambiack residents are being urged to “name and shame” local roads in need of funding in a bid to address claims of disproportionately low grants from the federal government.
The council is to be awarded $11,642,207 over the next five years as part of the government's Road to Recovery (R2R) program.
This is $3,704,365 more - or 46.7 per cent - than over the previous five-year period.
Yarriambiack Acting CEO Tony Caccaviello said: "This is a welcomed increase, as we will no longer receive Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) funding from the 24/25 financial year, which we utilised towards roads and associated infrastructure."
However, he said council did not consider itself any better off as the R2R funding was counterbalanced by the loss of LCRI funding.
"We are heavily reliant on grant funding to upgrade, renew and maintain our road network," Mr Caccaviello said.
"Only 53 per cent of our revenue is derived from rates and charges, and it does not cover the cost to effectively manage and maintain our assets, whilst also providing services to the community.
"Whilst the grant funding is welcomed, we are no better off, with the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure funding ceasing."
Footpath repairs were also likely to suffer under the funding changes.
"It is important to note that the LRCI funding had greater flexibility, and could also be used towards footpaths," Mr Caccaviello said.
"R2R can only be used for roads."
Yarriambiack shire covers an area of 7158 sq km with an approximate population of 6556 people (2021 ABS Census) and maintains 4824kms of roads.
Despite the increase in funding, Member for Mallee Anne Webster said she was "incensed" by the deal, which saw most neighbouring councils being awarded increases of 76 per cent.
West Wimmera has secured a $5,806,488 increase in funding, Horsham is to get $5,227,948 more and Hindmarsh will receive an extra $4,107,066.
Only Buloke, with an increase of $4,479,384, is in the same category as Yarriambiack with a 46.7 per cent lift in funding.
“The government’s decision is insulting and exacerbates the awful disadvantage the Mallee region faces with crumbling roads and councils unable to shoulder the repair and upgrade burden,” Dr Webster said.
“The 2024 National State of the Assets Report shows $23.1 billion worth of local government roads are in poor condition, $18.7 billion have poor function, and $17 billion have poor capacity."
While the Roads to Recovery program is funded by the Australian Government, it is delivered by local governments.
Federal grants are allocated according to fixed historical shares.
Dr Webster said while overall funding was being lifted from $500 million to $1 billion per year by 2027-28, the allocation to local councils was not being distributed fairly.
“The 2024 National State of the Assets Report shows $23.1 billion worth of local government roads are in poor condition, $18.7 billion have poor function and $17.0 billion have poor capacity,” she said.
“Local government-managed roads represent 77 per cent of the national road network by length.
"With around 75 per cent of local councils located in regional, rural and remote areas, federal government funding such as the Roads to Recovery program is vital in keeping our nation’s road network safe and productive.”
Councils may nominate local priority road projects for funding in accordance with the Roads to Recovery conditions.
Dr Webster also urged residents to nominate a local road in their shire in need of funding through a national road survey launched last month by Mt Gambier Liberal MP Tony Pasin.
The survey can be accessed at https://www.research.net/r/2HRHBV9 and will remain open until August 30.
The government's Infrastructure Investment Program website also lists projects being undertaken in the Roads to Recovery program.
For details of projects in your area, visit https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au