Transport & Regional Services
Black Spot Program
The AusLink Black Spot Program has been introduced as part of the Australian Government's commitment to reduce crashes on Australian roads.
Road crashes are a major cost to Australians every year. Black Spot programs target those road locations where crashes are occurring. By funding measures such as traffic signals and roundabouts at dangerous locations, the program reduces the risk of crashes. Programs of this sort are very effective, saving the community many times the cost of the relatively minor road improvements that are implemented.
Website: Black Spot Program
Roads to Recovery Program
In November 2000, the Roads to Recovery program was introduced as a single intervention by the Commonwealth to address the specific problem of local roads reaching the end of their economic life, and their replacement being beyond the capacity of local government. The first funding was provided by the Australian Government in March 2001. In the first four years of the program, the Australian Government provided $1.2 billion to local councils for local road improvements.
A review of the program in 2003 found that many local roads had improved, but there were still many roads in need of repair. With this in mind, the Australian Government in January 2004, announced an extension of the program for another four years, as well as integrating the program into AusLink.
Over four years from 1 July 2005, the Australian Government, will provide additional funding of $1.23 billion. This is in addition to its untied Financial Assistance Grants to councils for roads and other purposes.
On 8 May 2007, the Australian Government announced that it will further extend the Roads to Recovery Program until june 2014. Funding for the program will also be increased from $307.5 million a year at present to $350 million a year from 2009-10.
Website: Roads to Recovery Program
Supplementary Roads to Recovery Program
The Supplementary AusLink Roads to Recovery program provides local government with a greater opportunity to accelerate the upgrading of local road infrastructure.
On 9 May 2006, the Australian Government announced that a further $307.5 million (including $7.5 million for roads in unincorporated areas) would be provided in 2005-06 as a supplement to the Roads to Recovery program.
Website: Supplementary Roads to Recovery Program
Bushfire Mitigation Program
The Bushfire Mitigation Program aims to identify and address bushfire mitigation risk priorities across the nation. It funds construction and maintenance of fire trails and associated access measures that contribute to safer, sustainable communities better able to prepare, respond to and withstand the effects of bushfires.
Website: Bushfire Mitigation Program
Natural Disaster Mitigation Program
The Natural Disaster Mitigation Program is a national programme aimed at identifying and addressing natural disaster risk priorities across the nation.
Website: Natural Disaster Mitigation Program
Regional Partnerships Program
The Australian Government's approach to regional development is to work in partnerships with communities, government and the private sector to foster the development of self-reliant communities and regions. This approach is consistent with the Commonwealth's framework for developing Australia's regions: Stronger Regions, A Stronger Australia. Regional Partnerships is a programme that delivers on the Australian Government's approach to regional development.
Website: Regional Partnerships Program
