Grassroots funding under threat
Published on 03 April 2025
Queenslanders stand to miss out on an average $150 each in grassroots funding, risking service cuts or driving up rates unless the Federal parties agree to protect the future of a critical council infrastructure program.
The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCIP) have provided councils across the state with funds needed to build roads, sporting grounds and other vital community facilities.
Exclusive figures analysed by the Local Government Association of Queensland show every Queenslander has benefited from the program to an average $150 each, but that is now under threat.
Particularly vulnerable are smaller communities, where the money has been the difference in some cases between having facilities or not.
The LGAQ is releasing the electorate by electorate amounts in a bid to convince parties and candidates of how vital the LRCIP funding has been in each area and to urge them to continue or replace it in full.
The LGAQ has also written to all Queensland sitting MPs, Senators and candidates in key electorates with the LRCIP data for their constituency.
With Queensland’s population projected to grow by more than 1.5 million people in the next two decades, improving community infrastructure has never been more urgent.
“The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program has delivered significant benefits to Queensland communities,” LGAQ President Matt Burnett said.
“It stimulates local economies, supports businesses, and creates employment opportunities.
“The LGAQ is urging all parties and candidates to recognise the importance of this program and commit to its continuation beyond 30 June 2026 or full replacement, and to reinstate funding from this program to community infrastructure, not just roads.”
LGAQ chief executive officer Alison Smith the numbers proved the case for the return of the LRCIP or equivalent new program.
“The LRCIP funding allocation provided to Queensland councils is estimated to contribute approximately $668 million to Queensland’s economy over the course of the program in total, including $206.9 million directly,” Ms Smith said.
“That supports almost 4000 fulltime equivalent jobs across Queensland, including almost 1300 direct jobs.
“And when you look at the funding spread, it is obvious the widespread value a local infrastructure and roads program gives to Queensland councils, communities and ratepayers.”
Cr Wendy Taylor, Mayor of Maranoa Regional Council
Federal electorate of Maranoa:
| Total Electorate |
Direct Jobs |
Total Jobs |
GSP ($M) |
Per Person |
| $109,628,994 |
195 |
613 |
$109 |
$800 |
“The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program has been a vital funding source for Maranoa Regional Council, enabling the delivery of 43 projects across its four phases.
“These projects have provided essential upgrades to our road network, improved community facilities, and supported economic growth in our region.
“Without the program, many of these projects would not have been delivered or would have come at the expense of other priority infrastructure programs. The program has allowed Council to value-add to existing projects, ensuring that infrastructure upgrades are delivered at a higher standard, with greater long-term benefits to the community.
“With the program set to wind up in 2026, there is an urgent need for a permanent, direct Federal funding model that enables councils to continue delivering the infrastructure our communities rely on.
“Without this certainty, regional projects will face delays, funding shortfalls and reduced capacity to meet local infrastructure needs.”
Cr Angela Toppin, Mayor of Mareeba Shire Council
Federal Electorate of Kennedy:
| Total Electorate |
Direct Jobs |
Total Jobs |
GSP ($M) |
Per Person |
| $74,414,604 |
133 |
417 |
$74.26 |
$506 |
“The LRCI Program is a critically important funding source for Mareeba Shire, it enables us to deliver essential projects for our community that otherwise we simply could not afford to do.
“These are not just nice to have things, we have used this funding to deliver important community assets such as road and culvert upgrades, ablution block renewals, water main replacements and footpath renewals.
“Maintaining this program is essential for our community.”
Cr Tony Rayner, Mayor of Longreach Regional Council
Federal electorate of Maranoa:
| Total Electorate |
Direct Jobs |
Total Jobs |
GSP ($M) |
Per Person |
| $109,628,994 |
195 |
613 |
$109 |
$800 |
“The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program has been a game-changer for communities like ours. Thanks to this funding, we’ve been able to deliver vital projects that otherwise wouldn’t have been possible—creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and strengthening our region’s liveability.
"Without this kind of investment, remote councils like ours will struggle to maintain and upgrade their social infrastructure. This isn’t just about roads and facilities—it’s about sustaining our communities and keeping them liveable, connected, and economically resilient.
"The Ilfracombe Multi-Purpose Courts are a prime example of what LRCI funding has made possible. This project provided work for seven different contractors, and has given our community a high-quality, fully shaded facility for tennis, basketball, and netball. Without LRCI, delivering infrastructure like this in rural and remote communities would be incredibly difficult, if not impossible.
"Councils know the needs of their communities better than anyone, and direct, allocative funding ensures that vital projects—like the Ilfracombe Multi-Purpose Courts—continue to be delivered where they’re needed most.
"Without this kind of ongoing investment, regional communities will face stalled projects, lost jobs, and deteriorating infrastructure. This isn’t just good policy—it’s essential for the future of regional Australia."
Cr Jack Bawden Mayor of Carpentaria Shire
Federal electorate of Kennedy:
| Total Electorate |
Direct Jobs |
Total Jobs |
GSP ($M) |
Per Person |
| $74,414,604 |
133 |
417 |
$74.26 |
$506 |
“For a start, the funding is essentially untied, it’s flexible and unmatched funding. That makes it easy for little shires like ours.
“Like all funding, it drives projects and employment – not to mention what it actually provides, which is critical infrastructure.”
Cr Barry Hughes, Mayor of Etheridge Shire Council
Federal electorate of Kennedy:
| Total Electorate |
Direct Jobs |
Total Jobs |
GSP ($M) |
Per Person |
| $74,414,604 |
133 |
417 |
$74.26 |
$506 |
"The LRCIP funding program has assisted Etheridge Shire immensely.
“The scope of LRCIP funded projects that have benefited communities has been transitional and generational, assisting growth, infrastructure management, employment opportunities, and helping meet community expectations.”
Cr Robert Poi Poi, Mayor of Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council
Federal electorate of Leichhardt:
| Total Electorate |
Direct Jobs |
Total Jobs |
GSP ($M) |
Per Person |
| $25,691,012 |
46 |
144 |
$25.64 |
$166 |
“As a result of this funding program, we’ve constructed shared cycling and pedestrian infrastructure that connects our community of Injinoo to Umagico, and now onward to Bamaga. It provides safe pathways to school and work for our residents, as well as health and fitness opportunities for the community. Projects like this show how vital this funding is to councils like ours.”
Cr Bruce Simpson, Mayor of Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council
Federal electorate of Wide Bay:
| Total Electorate |
Direct Jobs |
Total Jobs |
GSP ($M) |
Per Person |
| $24,740,025 |
44 |
138 |
$24.68 |
$167 |
“The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program provides vital funding that enhances the liveability of Cherbourg for our residents and visitors.
“It lets us fund the projects that will be of most benefit to the needs of our community. Small projects can make a big difference to our kids and our families – they create jobs, opportunity and growth. Intentional investment is needed for our smaller shires.”
Cr Peter Flannery, Mayor City of Moreton Bay
Federal electorate of Petrie:
| Total Electorate |
Direct Jobs |
Total Jobs |
GSP ($M) |
Per Person |
| $16,933,749 |
31 |
97 |
$17.14 |
$106 |
Federal electorate of Longman:
| Total Electorate |
Direct Jobs |
Total Jobs |
GSP ($M) |
Per Person |
| $13,793,284 |
25 |
78 |
$413.76 |
$92 |
Federal electorate of Dickson:
| Total Electorate |
Direct Jobs |
Total Jobs |
GSP ($M) |
Per Person |
| $13,827,400 |
25 |
78 |
$13.80 |
$94 |
“It is implausible that the Federal Government is looking to close Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
“This will have an immediate and serious impact on local Queensland communities who are crying out for vital local road and community infrastructure.
“It is not sustainable for our rapidly growing City of Moreton Bay to continue to provide everyday services for our community, while at the same time fully fund important infrastructure projects as we grow.
“Surely, the great success of the program shows the impact this funding has made, both in terms of the calibre of projects themselves but also in creating local jobs and lasting community benefits.
“In City of Moreton Bay alone, we have had almost 90 projects supported by the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program including critical projects such as the William Berry Drive intersection upgrade at Morayfield, Oakey Flat Road rehabilitation at Narangba, Gordon Road and Ferny Way Intersection Upgrade, Ferny Hills and the Deception Bay Community Hall building upgrade.
“Not only does this funding empower local Government, who know their priority projects inside out, but the allocative nature of the funding also means Councils could bring forward projects and deliver this key infrastructure quickly.
“City of Moreton Bay strongly believes all levels of Government should be working collaboratively to deliver services and infrastructure.
However it is a fact that out of all the levels of government, it is local Government that delivers the best value for money in progressing infrastructure projects and seeing them delivered on the ground.
“The impact of such a successful program ending will spell disaster for local Councils and their communities.”
Vision and audio of LGAQ CEO Alison Smith can be accessed here.
Queensland councils have welcomed the opening of the Federal Election campaign as an opportunity for all candidates to commit to ending a broken 50-year-old funding model holding councils and their local communities back and redoubled their calls for fairer funding, policy changes and critical emergency weather infrastructure to support local communities ahead of the 3 May Election.
View LRCI spend and impact per Federal electorate here.