Joint media release with the Hon Janelle Saffin MP
A vital road linking Balranald and Oxley in south-western NSW will be upgraded to make it more resilient in the event of a major flood, following the recent round of funding from the Albanese Government's flagship $1 billion Disaster Ready Fund (DRF).
The Albanese Government is contributing almost $2.5 million to upgrade two low-lying sections of Oxley Road which frequently become impassable during periods of moderate-to-heavy rainfall.
A further $613,000 has been co-contributed by the Shire of Balranald.
The project includes rebuilding 1.5km and 1.3km segments of the road, including raising their height and installing drainage culverts.
Flooding in September 2022 closed Oxley Road for 18 months, disrupting freight operations, emergency service movement, and rural community access.
Since reopening in 2024, the flood damage to the road surface and structure has restricted its use to local access only, placing pressure on alternate regional freight routes, and increasing travel time and costs for transport operators and shire residents.
The Oxley Road upgrade will reduce economic disruption caused by a major flood event, enhance resident and road user safety and improve the resilience of a community faced with the likelihood of larger and more frequent floods.
It will also reduce road repair and maintenance costs for Balranald Shire Council.
The Albanese Government has committed $1 billion over five years through the DRF to help Australian communities build resilience to manage the physical and social impacts of natural disasters.
That includes $68.3 million towards 18 projects in NSW under Round Three of the DRF, which are administered through the NSW Reconstruction Authority.
Quotes attributable to the Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain
"I'm proud to be part of a government that is making NSW communities more resilient to increasingly frequent and intense weather events through the Disaster Ready Fund.
"The Oxley Road Upgrade Project will bring economic and social benefits to Balranald Shire by assisting business continuity, creating employment and supporting tourism.
"The Albanese Government is committed to supporting projects to improve the lives of regional Australians and this project in Farrer is another example of that.
"It will deliver a long-term flood resilience solution that aligns with both the Australian and NSW Governments' disaster mitigation strategies."
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin
"This investment is about moving beyond just repairing damage-it's about building back better so our regional communities aren't cut off when the next big rain event hits. By raising these low-lying sections of Oxley Road, we are ensuring that the people of Balranald and Oxley stay connected to essential services and each other.
"We saw the devastating impact of the 18-month closure following the 2022 floods. This project is a practical, common-sense solution that provides long-term certainty for local freight and families, reducing the recovery burden on the Shire in the years to come.
"The Minns Labor Government is committed to fortifying our regional infrastructure. This upgrade directly supports our Far West Regional Plan by fostering a more resilient economy and ensuring our transport networks can withstand the increasing severity of modern weather patterns."
Quotes attributable to Federal Senator for NSW, Deborah O'Neill
"This is a critical investment in the infrastructure that supports the economic and community life of our state.
"I congratulate Balranald Shire on its work to propose this project, and its success in having secured the support of the Commonwealth to make this investment on behalf of all Australians."
"Everyone in Farrer benefits when we work together to ensure our roads and infrastructure are built to withstand the challenges that the natural environment sends our way."
Quotes attributable to Balranald Shire Council Mayor, Cr Louie Zaffina
"The Balranald Shire Council is pleased to announce that our recent application to the Australian Government's Disaster Ready Fund has been successful.
"This funding represents a significant achievement for the Balranald Shire Council and will directly support the upgrade of the Oxley Road that sustained major damage during the 2022 flood event. Securing this grant ensures we can move forward with essential restoration and resilience works that will strengthen our infrastructure and better protect our community in future emergencies.
"This is extremely positive news for our Shire and reflects the hard work and commitment of everyone involved in preparing the application and advocating for our community's needs.
"Further updates on project timelines and next steps will be shared as planning progresses."
