Key flood-prone areas of the Upper Hunter will be more resilient to severe weather events with work progressing on replacing gravel with concrete on essential causeways and about to start on improvements to storm water drainage on road crossings.
Upper Hunter Shire Council was awarded a total of $3.04 million in Essential Public Asset Reconstruction (EPAR) works ($648,150) and betterment funding through the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package (RRTRP) ($2,394,440) provided through shared funding by the Australian and NSW Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Improvements to 12 Upper Hunter area causeways will help road networks stay open longer during extensive rainfall, ensuring local agricultural industries continue to operate, and will help to reduce maintenance and repair costs for Upper Hunter Shire Council.
The storm water drainage improvements for eight local road crossings are designed to prevent erosion, scouring, silting, vegetation build-up and surface damage to the road surface from high water pressure.
This work will help to reduce the frequency and duration of road closures due to flooding, and maintain access to the road network for residents, visitors, public transport and freight.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:
"The Upper Hunter has been deluged by flood water at various points over the past few years so it's great to see work progressing to help communities stay connected for longer and to ensure the road network can reopen faster following a disaster of this nature.
"It's important to provide locals the reassurance that all levels of government understand the challenges that natural disasters pose for residents, businesses and visitors alike, and that they are working together to help maintain access in the future.
"We will continue to work together, tirelessly to ensure that the Upper Hunter community and surrounding affected regions alike receive the government support that they need."
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison:
"The social and economic benefits of maintaining road access during severe weather events flow on to the whole community.
"I'd like to thank Upper Hunter Shire Council for putting forward this package of work on causeways and stormwater drainage, which will benefit many roads across the LGA and help maintain access so everyday trips to work and school can still go ahead during periods of significant rain."
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin:
"Rebuilding our roads so they stay open longer during floods is just common sense. These upgrades are about making sure communities aren't cut off when they need help the most.
"We know natural disasters are going to keep coming, so it's vital we build back better to ensure our communities are better prepared next time and recover faster.
"That means stronger, more resilient roads that can stand up to future floods and keep our communities connected."
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley:
"We know how tough recent floods have been for this region so we're backing councils with the support they need to build stronger and more resilient infrastructure that stands up to future challenges."
"It's about making sure communities across the Upper Hunter can keep moving, even when the weather turns against them. Reliable roads mean people can get to work, kids can get to school and essential services can keep running."
"When all levels of government work together, we can deliver practical projects that make a real difference to people's daily lives, and that's exactly what's happening here in the Upper Hunter."
Quotes attributable to Upper Hunter Mayor Maurice Collison:
"The Betterment of Causeways program is already making a visible difference across the Upper Hunter. With sites like Mount Erin Road almost complete, we're seeing first-hand the benefits of stronger, more resilient infrastructure that can better withstand future flooding events.
"This funding from the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package has enabled us to upgrade critical drainage and causeway assets, projects that would otherwise be out of reach for a regional council of our size.
"It's a significant win for local residents and road users alike.
"We're grateful for the collaboration between the Australian and NSW Governments. These upgrades to stormwater drainage and causeways will serve our communities for years to come and are a testament to the power of partnership in disaster recovery."
More information about RRTRP is available at https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/operations/roads-and-waterways/business-and-industry/partners-and-suppliers/local-government-3
