Councils are urged to apply for $150 million in remote road upgrade funds. 

Applications are now open for the Remote Roads Upgrade Pilot Program. The closing date is February 20, 2022.

The Federal Government is providing $150 million of funding for projects under the new program, which targets road improvements for regional communities, and addresses significant deficiencies on key regional and rural roads that limit community access, pose safety risks and impact the economic development of the surrounding area.

Guidelines and Application forms are available for download from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications.

The Federal Government will contribute up to 80 per cent of the cost of projects located in regional and rural areas, in line with other projects under the Infrastructure Investment Program. 

The Government says it may contribute above this threshold for local governments where there is sufficient financial justification and demonstration of benefits. 

Applicants will be required to list all funding sources, including co-contributions sourced from council, state, territory or private funding sources.