The Commonwealth is providing $800m nationally for local and regional infrastructure projects through Local Government.

The Local Government Association estimates South Australian Councils will gain in the order of $60m of these funds and that most projects will involve at least matching funds from Councils. This estimate would see $120m of Council infrastructure projects in addition to normal programs over the next two to three years.

Of the Commonwealth funds, $19.5m is guaranteed to South Australian Councils. These projects must be completed by 30 September 2009.

This funding is being provided directly to Councils from the Commonwealth.

Councils manage their own employment, contracting and tendering arrangements in accordance with requirements of the Local Government Act 1999 and any contractual requirements of the Commonwealth.

Commonwealth Local Government Minister Anthony Albanese announced approval for the first of these projects in South Australia on 24 February 2009.

• View the media release.
• Further information about the program is available at http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/local/rlcip_guidelines.aspx.
• Councils are managing community infrastructure projects locally, so you are best to contact the council direct. A full list of these projects is available on the Local Government Association’s website.