Visitors to national parks are in for a much smoother ride thanks to a joint investment by the Albanese and Minns Governments.
The $16.2 million grant to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is through the Infrastructure Betterment Fund under joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
A total of 12 tourism roads will be upgraded in flood-impacted national parks in the Central Coast and MidCoast Local Government Areas to build resilience so they can better withstand future significant rainfall events and natural disasters.
Funding for the Central Coast national parks includes Brisbane Water National Park, Bouddi National Park and Watagans National Park.
Funding for the MidCoast areas will upgrade visitor roads in Myall Lakes National Park, Khappinghat National Park, and in collaboration with MidCoast Council, a key tourism road route linking Bulahdelah and Bombah Point.
Works will include raising and sealing sections of gravel road to improve flood resilience, road surface upgrades for driver comfort and safety, and additional culverts and drainage structures to improve under-road drainage.
Additionally, projects will include upgrades to priority fire trails with the installation of turning and passing bays as required under Rural Fire Service certifications.
Works across the 12 road locations within Hunter Central Coast Branch of National Parks have started and there will be temporary traffic flow disruptions outside peak school time.
Visitors to these reserves are reminded to check the closure and alerts page at National park alerts.
Infrastructure Betterment Fund grants assist in the rebuilding of disaster-affected roads, bridges and infrastructure, making them better able to withstand future natural disasters.
This $16.2 million upgrade will repair and rebuild public assets directly impacted by consecutive natural disasters.
Infrastructure Betterment funding ensures connection and continuity of access for communities and lowers the risk of economic and environment impact following natural disasters.
