Australian Local Government Association President Troy Pickard wants councils to nominate community infrastructure renewal projects to be included in ALGA's 2016 Federal election strategy.

Cr Pickard has called for councils to put up two or three proposals for upgrades, replacement and maintenance works on ALGA’s Community Infrastructure Ideas Register.

The register builds on a highly successful strategy used in 2007-08, which resulted in the establishment of the $1.2 billion Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program in the economic stimulus package at the time.

The register demonstrated to the Government that councils had shovel-ready projects that would directly benefit local communities while also stimulating the local economy and creating jobs.

One success story from the last time around was at the Latrobe Council in Tasmania, where the 80-year-old Port Sorell footbridge was in dire need of an upgrade.

The bridge connected the township to the rural and residential areas on the other side of a river through town, and the only alternative route was a 5km loop around the township.

Funds from the community infrastructure program combined with council contributions saw Latrobe Council undertake upgrades in September 2009.

This maintained the link to neighbouring residential areas, and gave residents’ access to scenic walking tracks.

Councils’ input into the new register will assist ALGA in making a case to the Commonwealth for a similar program to be used in its 2016 Federal election strategy.

ALGA says councils can use it as a chance to gain more support to stimulate growth over the longer term, and build community resilience.