Federal Member for Flynn, Colin Boyce says the Albanese Labor Government's Roads to Recovery funding distribution is leaving regional councils behind as they struggle to address the ever-growing road maintenance task.
While the Federal Labor Government is increasing the Roads to Recovery funding gradually from $500 million to $1 billion per year by 2027-28, Mr Boyce says the recently announced five-year funding allocation indicates this increase is 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," Mr Boyce said.
"Local Government managed roads represent 77 per cent of the national road network by length and 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."
The Roads to Recovery program was established by the Coalition to support councils maintain local roads. The program is delivered in five-year funding periods, and funding determinations are made by the Minister itemising the five-year allocations to each local government area.
All councils should receive an increase in Roads to Recovery funding, but unfortunately the Banana Shire Council, North Burnett Regional Council and South Burnett Regional Council will be disadvantaged compared to more prosperous capital city councils.
"While any increase is welcome news, the fact the Banana Shire Council, North Burnett Regional Council and South Burnett Regional Council is only receiving an increase of 46.7 per cent, well below the average increase of 65 per cent, and far below the 76 per cent being received by Brisbane City Council is surprising and is exacerbating rural, regional and remote disadvantage," Mr Boyce said.
"Our community is crying out for investment in the local road network and doesn't deserve to be treated as a second-class Shire or Council.
"The Prime Minister said when he was elected two years ago that no one would be held back, no one would be left behind, but apparently that's not the case if you live in the Banana Shire Council, North Burnett Regional Council and South Burnett Regional Council area?"
Mr Boyce said residents could nominate a local road in desperate need of funding through the National Road Survey launched last month and help send a message to the Albanese Labor Government to Fix Our Roads.
Mr Boyce encouraged residents to submit their views through the survey available at https://www.research.net/r/2HRHBV9. The survey will be open until 5pm, 30 August 2024.
