The Australian Government has passed the Land Transport Infrastructure Amendment Bill, which will provide $2.1bn for the country’s Roads to Recovery.

Under the programme, the government aims to improve local roads and streets.

Federal member for Grey Rowan Ramsey said: "The successful passage of the Land Transport Infrastructure Amendment Bill means the $2.1bn the government allocated to councils for local road and street works under the federal budget is now signed, sealed and first payments will be delivered next month."

"This will provide a real boost to the regional communities."

The bill was earlier rejected by the legislation in the House of Representatives, but was cleared now in the senate.

Australia deputy prime minister Warren Truss said: "The Australian Government has reached an agreement with Senate crossbenchers to guarantee this vital funding for local communities across Australia.

"The $2.1bn that flows from today’s passage of the Land Transport Infrastructure Amendment Bill will make a real difference to the ability of councils to deliver the better, safer local roads and streets their communities need.

Ramsay added: "In particular, councils will be looking forward to next year where the Government has committed to a doubling of the Roads to Recovery Grants for one year.

"This will provide a real boost to the regional communities."