Applications are open now for the Remote Roads Upgrade Pilot Program paving the way for much-needed upgrades to some of Australia’s forgotten roads.

The Coalition Government has committed $150 million for upgrades to unsealed roads throughout remote Australia, many of which haven’t been worked on since the Great Depression.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said the funding will improve quality of life in regional and remote areas by increasing accessibility to regional communities and delivering essential infrastructure.

“The Government recognises the costs of upgrading rural and regional roads are often prohibitive for local governments,” Mr Pitt said.

“To ensure these important projects are funded, the Government will be funding up to 80 per cent of the approved projects to deliver improved key road networks and road safety.

“I look forward to working closely with local councils to secure funding for important road upgrades.”

Unsealed or degraded roads 20 kilometres or longer with a low safety rating are eligible for funding under the program. The project must not have previously received funding under another program, or received significant investment in the last five years.

Applications are open until Sunday, 20 February 2022 and more information, including program guidelines, is available at: https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/about/national-initiatives/remote-roads-upgrade.aspx