About LGANT  > Newsletters and Media Releases  > Media Releases  > More dollars for Territory Roads

More dollars for Territory Roads

'Local Government lobbying for better roads for the Northern Territory has finally paid off' the President of the Local Government Association of the Northern Territory Alderman Cecil Black said today.

'The Federal Government has announced a continuation of the Roads to Recovery Program for Local Government from 2005 to 2009 and we are all ecstatic about it. It is money for the 14 000 kilometres of Territory roads that Councils manage. That has to be good for all Territorians' President Black said.

President Black said 'The money will help with road infrastructure backlogs. It will not only maintain or improve the quality of life for residents but greatly enhance economic development opportunities. Local contractors have, and will, continue to benefit from the program and transport access will improve.'

'18 Councils have upgraded their access roads to airstrips and barge landings, just one of the many outcomes that Councils have achieved under this program to date. More of this will now be possible. Major urban centres will also benefit from having improved road infrastructure' President Black said.

'Obviously the Federal Government acknowledged the strengths in the program which came out of its review last year. These included local decision-making Councils implementing their own priorities for roads and the direct funding to Councils without State or Territory Government involvement.' President Black said.

'The Association and Local Councils in the Northern Territory look forward to working with the Federal Government over the coming months on the details of the arrangements. It is such a great program because it delivers tangible results and I know all our members are elated at the news.' President Black said.