Dave Layzell and Maitland Mayor Cr Philip Penfold at Melville Ford Bridge, Melville.
12 projects will roll out across the Upper Hunter Electorate under a $312.5 million boost to rebuild damaged roads and transport infrastructure to better withstand future natural disasters across northern NSW.
Nationals' Member for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell said the first-of-its-kind Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package would allow roads and transport assets to be built back better to withstand future extreme natural weather events.
"I'm pleased to announce that almost $48 million worth of projects have been recommended for funding, which will ensure the infrastructure will be rebuilt to a higher standard, making it more resilient to future disasters.
"Councils submitted nine works packages which have attracted $28.7 million and Transport for NSW submitted three projects valued at $19.2 million.
"The communities of the Upper Hunter Electorate and across northern NSW have endured unprecedented hardships and devastation and getting these betterment projects underway is something we all can't wait to see."
Betterment projects to receive funding:
- Dungog Shire Council – $9.7 million for upgrades to the Paterson River Crossing as well as causeway and unsealed road bridges.
- Singleton Council – $7m which includes raising Kilfoyles Bridge, Lambs Valley and its approaches by 3m above the existing level.
- Muswellbrook Shire Council – $6.3 million for betterment of Wybong Road as an Over Size Over Mass vehicle route;
- Maitland City Council – $2.5m to replace the Melville Ford timber bridge connecting Melville and Aberglasslyn with a new raised, dual lane concrete structure;
- Upper Hunter Shire Council – almost $2.4m for betterment of causeways and stormwater drainage at 43 nominated road crossings; and,
- Transport for NSW projects – to address slope failure on Putty Road and enhance the Golden Highway's road pavement in the Singleton Council area plus enhanced road pavement and upgraded drainage infrastructure on Denman Road in Muswellbrook shire.
Nationals' Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said these projects are among 57 rolling out across the state.
"The NSW Nationals are moving our state forward by building back better the infrastructure projects needed to withstand future extreme weather events and emergencies," Mr Farraway said.
"This program is just one part of the NSW Government's plan to build our transport infrastructure to withstand future disasters, reduce recovery costs, keep our communities and our supply chain connected.
"A re-elected NSW Nationals' Government will commit a further $300 million for a Build Back Better program to invest in more resilient state, regional and local road and transport infrastructure across regional NSW."
The Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package is equally co-funded by the Commonwealth and NSW governments.
