SA Government to allocate $100m in State Budget for community infrastructure projects, with councils to match spending dollar for dollar

Councils have been asking for a bunch of money to help build new facilities. The State Government have answered with $100 million.

SA Treasurer Rob Lucas and Premier Steven Marshall with a copy of the last state budget, in 2019.. Photo: AAP Image/Kelly Barnes

Libraries, galleries and cycling trails are expected to get a boost as part of a $200 million infrastructure stimulus package to be included in the State Budget.

Premier Steven Marshall, and Local Government Minister Vickie Chapman have this morning announced a $100 million fund that the government expects councils to match dollar for dollar.

The funding announcement has been on the Local Government Association SA (LGA) budget wish list.

The fund new projects and upgrade to existing facilities.

It is expected to fund new libraries, community centres, performance spaces, museums, galleries, child care centres, swimming pools and gyms.

New roads, stormwater infrastructure, investment in energy projects, park upgrades, walking and cycling trails will also be eligible for funding.

Ms Chapman said councils need to take up the challenge of investing in their communities today to create vital new jobs and deliver improved community assets.

Mr Marshall said grants would be provided to councils who can get the projects finished in twelve months.

The LGA told The Advertiser earlier this week a fund could help them unlock projects worth hundreds of millions.

LGA President Angela Evans said a survey undertaken earlier this year indicated South Australian councils have identified around $340 million of infrastructure projects that could be brought forward with funding support from other tiers of Government.

“By working together we can fast track our State’s economic recovery, delivering more local projects and creating more local jobs,” she said.

Mr Marshall said the fund will create a surge of employment for local tradies and suppliers.

Last week Treasurer Rob Lucas told the Sunday Mail the State Budget will include

“at least an additional $2 billion in funding for public infrastructure.”

Originally published as SA Government to allocate $100m in State Budget for community infrastructure projects, with councils to match spending dollar for dollar