Roads across the Bellingen Shire are receiving nearly $11 million in government funding to help make the state's road network more resilient to floods and fire.
Jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Governments' Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package and Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, the betterment project will not only improve the roads' resilience but reduce future costs following disasters in the local area.
That includes a $9.8 million package to improve Darkwood, Timboon, Valery and Martells roads and $1.19 million to upgrade a section of Kalang Road.
These works are designed to assist local residents, industry, producers, businesses, schools, bus operators and emergency services by increasing the safety and reliability of the road network.
Bellingen Shire Council is enhancing road resilience with a series of essential upgrades. These include improved drainage systems, new concrete kerbs, upgraded road pavement layers and sealing of key unsealed sections.
Additionally, road alignment adjustments, safety barrier installations and retaining walls will increase stability, and ensure a safer and more durable roadway for all.
Updates on progress will be made available at Bellingen Shire Council - infrastructure projects.
Quotes attributable to Senator Tony Sheldon, Special Envoy for Disaster Recovery:
"The Australian Government is pleased to see work progressing in Bellingen Shire, which has been heavily impacted in recent years by both bushfires and floods.
"These projects will increase the reliability of the road network and reduce the frequency and duration of road closures during disasters.
"This will have direct social benefits by reducing the likelihood of local communities becoming isolated, and by supporting local residents to remain connected."
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully:
"Work to repair key parts of this road network will make a difference to the local community.
"These road improvements will mean reduced impacts following any future natural disasters."
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison:
"Ensuring local roads can remain open longer and reopen more quickly following fires and floods helps ensure travel can resume faster for locals and businesses who rely upon the transport network for their daily lives.
"Kalang Road is the only access route for the Kalang Valley and ensuring its resilience will improve the lives of the 280 people who live there, which is good news for them and a huge benefit for local businesses.
"I recently travelled along Waterfall Way in Bellingen Shire and was pleased to see work to improve that road underway with a restoration project between Bellingen and Dorrigo which is being funded through Essential Public Asset reconstruction works under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
"It is good to know that this shire will now also receive $10.9 million towards the betterment of their roads through the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package and Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements which will reduce future costs following natural disasters in the area."
Quotes from Bellingen Shire Mayor Cr Steve Allan:
"This funding from the Australian and NSW Governments is truly welcome.
"Our country roads are currently undergoing much-needed revitalisation, and it's encouraging to see the government backing these projects to ensure safer, more reliable roads for our community.
"The impact of the recent disasters has meant the need for significant work to be done on these roads, especially as they serve as crucial links during emergencies.
"Council is excited to now deliver these projects, which will repair significant stretches of Darkwood, Timboon, Valery, and Martells Roads, while upgrades including embankment stabilisation, drainage improvements and installation of a safety barrier on a section of Kalang Road. This will enhance its resilience, improving reliability and greatly increasing safety for everyone who uses them.
"We appreciate the understanding of the community as we work through the delivery and completion of these important works."
