Byron Shire Council is ticking off an impressive schedule of roadworks across the Shire as it spends the NSW Government's $25 million Roads and Infrastructure Election Commitment funding.
"This has definitely been our busiest and most successful year for delivering roads and infrastructure that will go the distance – we are doing more and we are doing it much more efficiently," Council's Director Infrastructure Services, Phil Holloway said.
With a total 15,300m2 of asphalt overlay and resurfacing now completed in Brunswick Heads, Council's works teams will be heading to Bangalow at the end of August to start the $1.2 million upgrade of Bangalow Road, directly east of the Byron Creek Bridge - which is also getting a major overhaul and is expected to be completed by October 2020.
Smooth roads are also on the way for Ocean Shores with sections of Rajah Road, Orana Road and Balemo Drive all scheduled for resurfacing works starting mid-September.
"The $25 million has been a lifeline for Council and the community, and has already brought great improvement to 9 roads in Byron Bay and Ewingsdale, 3 in Suffolk Park, 10 in Brunswick Heads, 3 in Federal, a major reseal of Kolora Way, South Golden Beach, as well as a smooth resealed road for Federal Drive, Goonengerry," Mr Holloway said.
"This is a shire-wide program and we've got lots more to come with around 55 significant road resurfacing, overlay and heavy patching projects scheduled for completion between now and August 2021. From Ocean Shores to Myocum to Binna Burra – if there's a road that needs fixing, it is on our list," Mr Holloway said.
Roads earmarked for upgrades in September/October include Pearce Road in Booyong and Mullumbimbi Street in Brunswick Heads – which will be resurfaced from Tweed Street to the Brunswick Heads Bridge to compliment the timber renewal of the town's iconic bridge.
Design works are progressing well in preparation for road reconstruction on Stuart Street and Fern Street in Mullumbimby, as well as for a staged reconstruction of the Pocket Road from Main Arm to Billinudgel.
"The $25 million funding has given us important access to new technology and new expertise and we are now delivering smooth, resurfaced roads that will last 15 years or more, while also continuing with asphalting and pothole repair and maintenance as well," Mr Holloway said.
"Our target was to have $2.5 million worth of road reseals and overlay works delivered by August, which we've exceeded, and the best news is that we'll be spending another $5.3 million by August 2021, $10.85 million by August 2022 and $6.35 million by August 2023," he said.
"This is in addition to our normal schedule of roadworks, and roadworks funded by other State and Australian Government grants which all adds up to kicking some serious goals on our road network," Mr Holloway said.
Nationals Member for the Legislative Council and Parliamentary Secretary for Energy and the Arts, Ben Franklin, said he was delighted that the rollout of the $25 million roads and infrastructure election commitment was being so impressively achieved by Byron Council.
"Local residents tell me every day just how thrilled they are with the new and resurfaced roads sprouting up all over the Shire. This is another great example of how well the State Government and Council has been working together for the benefit of the community," Mr Franklin said.
