Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program

Phillips highlighted specific infrastructure projects delivered in her electorate, including a flyover on the Princes Highway and upgrades to local roads. Phillips stated that the government was doubling Roads to Recovery funding and increasing Black Spot Program funding to $150 million annually. Phillips attributed delays in some projects to local council implementation issues rather than federal funding shortages. Phillips emphasised the government's commitment to future-proofing roads against natural disasters.

Chaffey argued that road infrastructure backlogs in his electorate had increased significantly under the current government, with councils receiving only 43 per cent of required funds. Chaffey cited specific shortfalls in disaster relief funding for councils affected by flooding, such as Lachlan Shire and Narrabri Shire. Chaffey contended that the government was failing to provide adequate resources for road repairs and flood-proofing. Chaffey criticised the proposal to reduce speed limits as an inadequate response to deteriorating road conditions.

Cook detailed the government's $120 billion infrastructure investment pipeline and specific funding allocations for Western Australia, including the Tanami Road and Karratha-Tom Price road. Cook noted that Roads to Recovery funding for WA councils would increase by $278 million over five years. Cook explained that the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program was a temporary COVID-era measure that the government had extended and supplemented with additional funding. Cook highlighted specific safety upgrades delivered through the Black Spot Program and the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program.

Tehan expressed community anger over the state of regional roads in Victoria, citing numerous potholes on arterial roads like the Princes Highway. Tehan argued that federal funding contributions to major roads had decreased and that the government was prioritising metropolitan projects over regional maintenance. Tehan criticised the government's response to road deterioration as insufficient, noting that speed limit reductions did not address the underlying infrastructure failures. Tehan claimed that the poor road conditions were causing financial pain for families through vehicle damage.

Smith emphasised the impact of climate change on road infrastructure in Far North Queensland, citing damage from Cyclone Jasper. Smith listed substantial federal investments in his electorate, including upgrades to the Bruce Highway, Kuranda Range Road, and the Barron River bridge. Smith stated that the government was doubling Roads to Recovery funding and increasing financial assistance grants to local governments. Smith argued that these investments were addressing safety and productivity issues in regional areas.

Venning argued that South Australia received the lowest federal road funding per capita and per kilometre, leading to dangerous road conditions. Venning cited constituent reports of deteriorating roads, including the Augusta Highway, and called for performance-based contracts to ensure construction quality. Venning criticised the government's focus on metropolitan projects and its proposal to reduce speed limits as unrealistic. Venning suggested that funding should be based on road quality and usage data rather than political priorities.

Chesters argued that the previous coalition government had frozen roads maintenance funding and indexation for local government grants, causing long-term deterioration. Chesters stated that the current government had more than doubled Roads to Recovery funding, significantly increasing allocations for her electorate. Chesters highlighted specific projects on the Calder Highway and other regional roads funded by the government. Chesters urged members not to politicise road safety, citing the tragic loss of life on Australian roads.