Joint media release with Dan Repacholi MP and the Hon Jihad Dib MP
Works are in full swing in the NSW Upper Hunter town of Denman to install a new stormwater drainage system on Merton Street, to help protect the town against future flood events.
The $2.6 million infrastructure project received nearly $1.2 million from the first round of the Albanese Government's flagship Disaster Ready Fund, to support the second stage of works. This is on top of a $1.4 million NSW Government investment for the first stage of the project.
Preparation works are being undertaken by civil contractors KCE along parts of Merton Street (between Paxton Street and Palace Street) and the Golden Highway. The new stormwater system will channel water to an outlet in Sandy Creek.
Concrete driveways, pram ramps, kerbs and gutter, and footpaths will also be constructed with works to resurface the road pavement and plant trees as part of the project.
Work is expected to be completed in March 2025, subject to weather conditions.
Muswellbrook Shire Council is providing updates on the project Merton Street Denman - Road and Drainage Upgrade
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt:
"The Albanese Government is pleased to support this project in Denman, which is all about being better prepared for future severe weather."
"These works will make the area more flood-resistant, and also more user-friendly with pram ramps and new footpaths - I congratulate Council for the work they're doing.
"The Albanese Government is commitment to better preparing communities for natural disasters, so they can respond and recover quicker.
"That's why the Disaster Ready Fund was an election commitment, delivering record level funding for projects right across Australia to help build long term resilience and reduce the impacts of severe weather and natural disasters when they hit. It's great to see projects well-underway across the country, and we look forward to announcing more projects through Round 2 of the DRF soon."
Quotes attributable to Member for Hunter, Dan Repacholi:
"It was great to get onsite today and see the works underway and progressing well. "
"This project will mean better drainage solutions for future heavy rain, which is much-needed here in the Hunter.
"The new piped stormwater drainage system will be particularly important for Denman, providing better access to the nearby hospital and fire station during an emergency and directing water away from the two schools nearby."
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib:
"The upgrade of the drainage system in Denman is one of many infrastructure projects across the state that are helping to build future flood resilience."
"This project is locally led, empowering communities to better protect themselves against the rising number of natural hazards like storms and floods as we deal with a changing climate."
Quotes attributable to Muswellbrook Shire Council Mayor, Steve Reynolds:
"Works started on the long-awaited project with the construction of new stormwater drainage in mid-May."
"Council and contractor KCE hosted a gathering for residents from the area recently to discuss the scope of works for the road upgrade and drainage and all agreed that the new infrastructure will greatly improve conditions during severe weather events."
