A new funding round of the $200 million per year Safer Local Roads Infrastructure Program (SLRIP) will open to states and territory governments and local councils on 1 September, 2026.
The Safer Local Roads Infrastructure Program is one of the Albanese Government’s flagship roads funding programs, which addresses current and emerging priorities in the nation’s road infrastructure needs.
SLRIP is one of several initiatives that have received increased funding as part of the Albanese Government’s commitment to invest in safer and more productive roads nationwide. That includes doubling in funding under the Roads to Recovery program, the boosting of the Black Spot Program to $150 million per year and the reversal of the previous government’s freeze on highway maintenance funding.
SLRIP is an ongoing, application based, merit assessed funding program with $200 million available each year for constructing or upgrading road infrastructure.
State and territory governments and local councils can apply for up to $5 million, as a co-contribution, to each project.
Previous upgrades funded under the program include new road bridges, sealing sections of gravel road and improving safety and road surfaces. These included almost $5 million to Carpentaria Shire Council to deliver the Leichhardt River Crossing Bridge Replacement, more than $3.5 million to the Southern Downs Regional Council for design and construction of Cox Bridge on Victoria Street in Warwick, and more than $3.8 million to Bellingen Shire Council for the replacement of Summervilles Creek Bridge.
From this financial year, the program guidelines place an increased emphasis on improving road safety while retaining the other objectives of productivity, road resilience and sustainability.
Applications for state, territory and local governments will open on September 1 and close 5pm AEST 31 January 2027.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
“This is practical and life saving investment for communities across the country. This fund is helping maintain our local roads, delivery safety upgrades, and rebuild bridges to accommodate modern heavy vehicles.
“Every motorist deserves to travel and arrive at their destination safely, that’s why the Albanese Government is making record investments in upgrading road infrastructure.
“I look forward to seeing what projects states and territories and local councils put forward for federal investment.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Kristy McBain:
“This vital funding will support councils to progress a pipeline of future projects to make the local roads we use every day safer, and to ensure that heavy vehicles can deliver essential products and services more efficiently.
“We know that many councils, particularly in regional, rural and remote areas, have extensive road networks to improve and maintain. This round of the Safer Local Roads Infrastructure Program will have a particular focus on road safety and builds on our other financial supports for councils around the country.”
