Massive road repair program

This ambitious undertaking is made possible through funding from various sources, including Federal, State, and Council contributions.

Mayor Peta Betts said the comprehensive program comprised various projects aimed at enhancing council’s road infrastructure.

“These road projects are aimed not only at helping restore our infrastructure after the floods, but also creating a better and safer experience for road users and boosting the economy by setting up our network to cater for expected growth over the next 30 years,” she said.

“We are grateful to Transport for New South Wales and other state government departments for their invaluable support and assistance, particularly in managing funding requirements and providing extensions to funding as needed.

“Edward River Council remains dedicated to enhancing our region’s infrastructure, and this extensive road program is a testament to that commitment.”

Some of the key initiatives in the program are listed below.

Hardinge Street Reconstruction - The reconstruction of Hardinge Street, covering a length of approximately 900m, aims to improve safety through dedicated turning lanes and medians, as well as rehabilitating the road surface and renewing the drainage system. The project involves collaboration with Transport for NSW , with both council and Transport for NSW working toward agreement on project estimates and costs. Designs are under review, with project development starting in the 2023/24 year and construction commencing the following year.

Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangement - A total claim of $12.4 million has been approved by Transport for NSW, with a pre-payment of $1 million significantly facilitating essential repair work after the flood event. At last month’s council meeting, Bild Infrastructure Pty Ltd were awarded the first contract package valued at $1,353,238 + GST for road reconstruction under this funding arrangement.

Regional and Local Roads Repair Program (RLRRP) - This $2.9 million state government funded program focuses on repairing the rural road network, heavily impacted by adverse weather conditions and increased usage during the flood. The repairs include heavy patching and shoulder restoration for sealed roads, as well as re-sheeting of gravel roads. Works have already commenced in the northern area of the Council.

Regional Emergency Road Repair Fund - A recently announced program aimed at continuing repair efforts along the regional and local road network. Council is actively reviewing its program for 2023/24 to integrate this $4.1 million state government funded initiative with ongoing works.

Pretty Pine Road Widening - The widening of approximately 8km of Pretty Pine Rd from 6m to 11m is set to support Road Train and other heavy vehicle access. Funding from both the state and federal governments will enable this project, which will dovetail with flood recovery efforts, resulting in a total investment of over $5 million for Pretty Pine Road.

Memorial Park Carpark - With a $750,000 grant from the state government’s Showground Stimulus program, council is constructing a sealed carpark at the Memorial Park recreation reserve to enhance safety and amenity for users. Despite challenges posed by flooding in 2022, the works are currently in progress and expected to be completed by the end of 2023.

Fixing Local Roads Pothole Repair Program - Focused on repairing urban streets affected by wet weather, this $549,000 program is well underway with more than 500 potholes repaired and is on track to be completed in December.

Gravel Road Resheeting Program - $900,000 of council funding will be invested in resheeting gravel roads in rural areas.