Central Desert Regional Council President has praised the Federal Government for its decision to make the Roads to Recovery Program permanent.

The Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, the Hon Warren Truss MP's made the announcement during his opening speech at the National General Assembly of Local Government, attended by local government representatives from across the country.

Minister Truss said, "Further, under the new Roads to Recovery legislation that the Coalition Government introduced there is no sunset clause for the Roads to Recovery program - it is permanent."

President Dixon said this is fantastic news for all Australians as the money goes towards maintaining one of our most utilised assets – our roads.

"As part of the Roads to Recovery Program, the federal government will provide an additional $350 million in 2015-16 to bring the total funding for the national program to $2.1 billion over five years to help local government throughout Australia manage the roads. For the Central Desert Council this equates to $1.7 million over the next five years.

President Adrian Dixon and the Councillors of Central Desert Regional Council accepted the resignation of Councillor Robert Robertson at the Council's June meeting.  Councillor Robertson has been an active member of the Council since his election in 2012 and has held the Deputy position as well as being a member of the Finance Committee.

Mr Robertson is one of the driving forces behind the Yuendumu Justice and Mediation Committee and is leaving the Council to take a full time position within the organisation.

"Councillor Robertson has been a strong voice for Yuendumu and his Ward." said President Dixon as he thanked Councillor Robertson for his valuable contribution to the Council over the past years. 

Councillors and staff wish Councillor Robertson well for the future.