Notorious stretch of road receives grant funding for major upgrade
Muswellbrook Shire Council has received $5M from the State Government's Fixing Local Roads program for realignment and sealing works on a two kilometre stretch of Yarrawa Rd.
"Fixing Local Roads is a $500 million NSW Government program providing funding to councils to assist in reducing the local roads maintenance backlog. Councils can apply for funding to assist in repairing, patching, maintaining or sealing existing priority council roads.
Well-maintained roads play a vital role in our regions, supporting growth and development, as well as providing access to critical services such as hospitals and schools. These benefits and connections stimulate the economy and promote the social wellbeing of our communities.
Reduced access to services and decreased safety directly and indirectly leads to significant cost to local economies. By taking care of the council local road maintenance backlog and improving standards and connectivity, there is potential for economic growth and employment opportunities.
The total NSW road network is over 180,000 kilometres in length, with approximately 80 per cent classified as Local Roads. Local councils are currently responsible for maintaining well over 85 per cent of the total NSW road network (including regional and local roads).
The ability of local government to effectively manage their respective road assets is becoming increasingly challenging. This has led to an increased maintenance backlog on Local Roads, resulting in a deteriorating asset base that leads to poor outcomes for NSW communities" - Transport for NSW
Council are ready to start construction later this month on what is known as "a bit of a goat track" by locals, who regularly use the road to travel to Mudgee and beyond.
