South Australian councils have received more than $20 million in federal funding to improve the state’s roads.

Distributed through the Special Local Roads Program, the $21.7 million will flow to 34 projects across SA.

The program – established jointly by the Commonwealth, state government and local governments – provides funding to 68 councils who can then pool together a portion of their cut to deliver high-priority projects which would normally be beyond an individual jurisdiction’s financial capacity.

Through the latest round of SLRP funding – which is administered by Local Government Association South Australia – $17.9m will flow to regional and rural roads while $3.8m will fund metro projects.

Works will include resealing and reconstruction of roads, shoulder-widening, and improvements to kerbs and gutters.

“Councils do an incredible job improving and maintaining South Australia’s local road network but it’s a costly process that’s reliant on support from other levels of government,” LGASA president Dean Johnson said.

Among the councils receiving funds: City of Charles Sturt, City of Holdfast Bay and the District Council of Loxton Waikerie, which will receive $993,000 to complete the final stage of the Billiatt Road works.

“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 the region,” mayor of District Council of Loxton Waikerie Trevor Norton said.  

South Australian councils – particularly smaller regional councils – are constantly balancing service and infrastructure delivery against rates revenue, SA minister for local government Joe Szakacs said.

“Through these merit-based grants councils have a chance to undertake important road improvements they wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford.”

He added: “This is a terrific initiative, unique to South Australia, that sees all three levels of government working hand-in-hand to deliver the best outcomes for South Australians.”