More than 100 projects across the Riverina and Central West have already been approved for funding supporting more than 850 local full-time equivalent jobs as part the program.

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development and Riverina MP Michael McCormack said it was important to continue to build our way to recovery through job creation and infrastructure projects at a local level.

"This program is providing local jobs and delivering vital infrastructure through local councils - they know best where this money needs to be spent in their Local Government Area," Mr McCormack said.

"This is all about supporting the resilience of local economies by delivering even more jobs to help communities bounce back from COVID-19, with the additional funding and a longer delivery window to provide greater flexibility for communities to address local priorities.

"A broader range of projects will now be eligible for funding under the LRCI, enabling local governments to pursue larger, more complex developments to deliver even greater benefits for their communities.

"Every single job we support makes a huge difference in our regions, now and as we build our way out of the pandemic.

"Not only will this new program support jobs, construction businesses and economic growth, it will also improve road safety and bolster the resilience of our local road networks, helping Australians get home sooner and safer.

"I will continue to work closely with local councils to ensure local projects get under way, supporting jobs and businesses as soon as possible."

Councils will be able to access funding for Phase 3 of this funding program from 31 January 2022, with the program extended until 30 June 2023.