The Australian Government has announced an investment of nearly A$135 million to improve road safety, upgrade transport infrastructure and make journeys safer for motorists and other road users across the country.

The announcement was published on October 16, 2026, by the Australian Government’s Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts. The funding will support 45 projects under the Safer Local Roads Infrastructure Program (SLRIP).

The initiative aims to address road safety risks, improve important transport connections and help local communities access workplaces, essential services and public facilities more safely.

New South Wales Receives the Largest Share

New South Wales will receive more than A$66.7 million for 22 projects, making it the largest recipient in this funding round. One of the planned initiatives involves a A$5 million project to widen and upgrade Montpellier Drive in Wollondilly Shire.

Victoria will receive more than A$24 million for eight projects. The funding includes design and upgrade work on Woorndoo–Streatham Road in the state’s southwest.

Queensland has been allocated more than A$20.8 million for nine projects. Among the planned works is the design and construction of a new bridge over Granite Creek on Springmount Road near Mareeba in Far North Queensland.

Funding for Regional and Remote Roads

Western Australia will receive more than A$11.7 million for three road improvement projects. These include upgrades to North Fence Road between Nyabing and Nairibin, Carlton Hill Road in Kununurra and Barytes Road in Wyndham.

Tasmania has been allocated more than A$8.1 million for two projects. Planned works include replacing Savage River Bridge and Guthrie Creek Bridge on Norfolk Road, as well as realigning Upper Natone Road in northern Tasmania.

In the Northern Territory, West Daly Regional Council will receive A$3.2 million for the design and upgrade of Woodycupaldiya Road, southwest of Darwin.

These projects are intended to address infrastructure needs in regional and remote areas, where safe and reliable road connections can be particularly important for residents, businesses and essential services.

Local Councils Help Identify Priorities

The Australian Government said the 45 projects were identified as priorities by local councils and communities. The program is designed to support improvements that address known safety concerns while strengthening the reliability of local road networks.

Potential benefits include safer road layouts, improved crossings and bridges, better transport connections and more dependable access for people travelling to work, school, healthcare facilities and other destinations. The specific improvements will vary by project.

The funding announcement does not mean all 45 projects will be completed immediately. Their delivery will depend on individual project plans, design work, construction schedules and implementation arrangements.

Broader Investment in Road Infrastructure

The latest funding round forms part of Australia’s wider effort to improve road conditions and reduce risks for road users.

The federal government has also expanded other road funding initiatives, including doubling the Roads to Recovery Program to A$1 billion annually and increasing the Black Spot Program’s annual funding from A$110 million to A$150 million. The Safer Local Roads Infrastructure Program provides A$200 million per year.

Together, these programs support road improvements at different levels, from local road maintenance to projects targeting specific safety hazards.

What the Announcement Means for Communities

The new investment is expected to support road upgrades across metropolitan, regional and remote parts of Australia. For communities receiving funding, the projects could improve everyday travel, strengthen access to services and help local councils address infrastructure concerns.

The long-term safety impact will depend on the quality of project design, construction and maintenance, as well as how effectively the upgrades address the risks identified by local authorities.

With 45 projects included in the latest funding round, the announcement represents another step in Australia’s continuing effort to improve local road infrastructure and create safer travel conditions nationwide.