A joint $32 million from the Federal and New South Wales Governments is set to deliver new bridges, upgraded roads and a more disaster resilient transport network for communities in the Central West of the state.
The Federal and New South Wales Governments’ $32 million Regional Transport Resilience Fund (RTRF) is supporting the Cabonne, Forbes, Lachlan and Parkes councils to repair and upgrade road and transport infrastructure damaged by the 2022 floods.
The cost of the RTRF package is shared between both governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
These four councils experienced the worst of the 2022 floods which saw road and transport infrastructure sustain unprecedented damage in a disaster that affected a geographical area stretching over approximately 11,000km.
The RTRF package is part of the joint Federal and State Government’s $100 million Central West Recovery and Resilience Package which includes the $40 million Resilient Homes Program recently announced, $2 million for the Resilient Homes Consultation Program, the $25 million Community Assets Program and $1 million for the Legal Aid Assistance Program.
Details of Regional Transport Resilience Fund projects are as follows:
Parkes Shire Council:
- $5.65 million for:
- A new bridge on The Bogan Way between Trundle and Parkes
- A new bridge on Middle Trundle Road
- The installation of culverts and causeways at various locations on Middle Trundle Road
- $1.08 million for the installation of new concrete causeways as part of Council’s causeway improvement program
Forbes Shire Council:
- $5.43 million to upgrade four culverts and upgrade pavement at various locations across the council area
- $4.4 million to upgrade five culverts and pavement on Wirrinya Road
- $1.6 million for:
- Pavement upgrades on Henry Lawson Way
- Culvert replacement and pavement upgrades at various locations on Pinnacle Road
- Pavement upgrades at various locations on Waugan Road
Lachlan Shire Council:
- $3.99 million for:
- Pavement overlay and stabilisation, sealing work, additional culverts at various locations, and one culvert/bridge replacement on Lake Cargelligo Road
- Pavement overlay and stabilisation, sealing work, increased culvert width and headwalls scour protection on Lachlan Valley Way
- $827,783 for pavement strengthening, overlay and stabilisation, sealing work and increased culvert capacity at various locations on Kiacatoo Road
Cabonne Shire Council:
- $3.78 million for installation of concrete floodways, table drains, box culverts, pipe culverts, headwalls and concrete decks at various locations across the council area
- $3.67 million for a package of bridge work including:
- Raising the bridge deck at Canomodine Lane Bridge, Canowindra
- Culvert upgrades on Edward Street, Molong
- Replacing the Baghdad Road Bridge, Cargo
- Raising the bridge deck at Ophir Road Bridge, Ophir
- Work on the Kiewa Street footbridge, Manildra
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Jenny McAllister, said that communities in Central West New South Wales were hit hard by flooding in 2022, and both levels of government are working together to help them recover from and prepare for future events.
“The new bridges and upgraded roads will help residents stay connected and safe during severe weather,” Minister McAllister said.
“We know that there is more work to be done, and we are committed to supporting Central Western communities to recover and rebuild for the long term.”
New South Wales Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully, said that this program focusses on building back better so that communities across the Central West are better prepared in the face of future disasters.
“It also means local communities that are hit by future floods and severe weather can bounce back more quickly, easing the burden on families, businesses and councils at a time when they need support most.”
New South Waels Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, said that the government is rebuilding these communities for the future and that this funding for vital projects will be welcomed to continue on the path towards recovery.
“We have made investing in recovery efforts in the Central West a priority and these works will help reduce future costs of repairs to road and transport assets damaged by natural disasters, as well as improving safety and transport access,” Minister Dib said.
New South Wales Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said that for every $1 invested in betterment the government saves up to $10 in recovery.
“The projects we are investing in will help local communities continue to rebuild their lives and livelihoods following the devastating floods and well into the future,” Minister Aitchison said.
“The Regional Transport Resilience Fund is not just about repairing like for like. It will ensure vital infrastructure like bridges and roads are built back better able to withstand future disasters.”
New South Wales Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery, Janelle Saffin, said that the assistance being offered to these councils will greatly assist rebuilding and recovery efforts.
“Communities need to be better connected and protected when future flood events hit and this investment from the Federal and State Governments will help meet these needs.”
