Unique to South Australia, the program supports the delivery of high priority projects that would otherwise exceed an individual council’s capacity – with $17.9 million from this round flowing to regional and rural roads, and $3.8 million to metro projects.

As a major link from Lameroo and the Murraylands to the Riverland, and the main tourism route in the region, the funding will facilitate the sealing and widening of the road from 6.2 metres to 7.6 metres to accommodate increased traffic, including road trains.

Stage 1 and 2 of the Billiatt Road upgrade commenced in 2023 with the sealing and widening of a 10km segment starting in Alawoona, followed by an additional 10km connecting stretch. The current stage of the project will address the final 16kms, reaching the border of the Southern Mallee Council. Staff recently completed the clearing of roadside regrowth that had significantly impacted driver visibility, with road upgrade works expected to begin in the coming months.

The road network in the District Council of Loxton Waikerie encompasses an extensive 2,306kms, comprising both council and government roads ,and maintaining and upgrading this vital infrastructure is a significant undertaking. Funding opportunities like the Special Local Roads Program are essential for ensuring that our road network can handle increasing traffic and effectively connect to Australia’s arterial road system.

Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, the Hon Kristy McBain MP, said:

"The Albanese Government continues to turn national funding into local results, by partnering with local councils across South Australia to deliver their priority road projects.

"This $21.7 million will improve the safety of local road networks across the state, making it easier to drop the kids off at school, and for tourists to experience everything that South Australia has to offer.

"We know that roads across regional South Australia are not only under more demand than ever, but critical to keeping our supply chains moving - which is why the bulk of this round's investment is targeting high-priority regional upgrades."

District Council of Loxton Waikerie Mayor, Trevor Norton, said:

"The Billiatt Road project has been ongoing for several years and we’re extremely excited to enter the final stage.

"These works have been made possible by previous Special Local Roads Program funding and we’re grateful to again be a recipient under this latest round to complete the vital reconstruction of the road for our community and visitors to our region.

"Once finished, Billiatt Road will be better equipped to handle increased freight and tourist traffic, making it safer for locals, workers and visitors travelling to and from the Riverland."

For more information, please visit the media release from the Ministor for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories here.