By Kathryn Magann in Sydney

THE federal government will double funding for the Roads to Recovery program aimed at improving road safety by allocating more money for local councils.

Several projects will be merged to streamline investment programs, and funding for federally recognised Black Spots will rise from $110 million to $150 million per year.

Infrastructure minister Catherine King said the Roads to Recovery funding will rise gradually from $500 million to $1 billion per year.

“Big roads and metropolitan highways might get a lot of the attention, but we spend most of our driving lives on local roads around where we live and where we work,” she said.

The changes come out of the government’s Independent Strategic Review of the Infrastructure Investment Program, with the growing costs of construction labour front of mind.

The minister for regional development Kristy McBain said roads are always a top concern for local councils.

“This will make a huge difference for councils outside of our big cities in particular, which have significant and ageing road networks under more demand than ever, as people flock to our regions,” she said.

Ms King said the increases will be phased in over the forward estimates to avoid pressure on inflation.

“We are doing this in a responsible way, to give councils the funding they need while also ensuring the increase doesn’t put pressure on inflation,” she said.

Projects to be merged include the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program and the Bridges Renewal Program, which will become  the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program.

The government has argued the slashing of about $7 billion worth of commuter car parks, fast rail and other infrastructure was necessary to rein in a $33 billion blowout.

NSW Deputy Premier Prue Car criticised the axing of projects in Western Sydney, where she said the state government relied on Commonwealth funding to ensure proper infrastructure to match population and housing growth.

“The Commonwealth government made a really clear statement that they weren’t going to touch projects that were underway, so that’s pretty concerning for us,” she told Sky News.

Shadow treasurer Angus Taylor said road and transport infrastructure was one of the most productive spends a government could make, and criticised spending in other areas he argued drove up inflation.

“What you need to do when you’re facing a cost of living crisis is take pressure off the least productive spending,” he said.

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