The NSW Labor Government has sped up delivery of new funding to Armidale Regional Council to repair roads and transport infrastructure damaged during natural disasters.
Armidale Regional Council is among the first in the state to sign a pioneering pilot funding agreement with the NSW Reconstruction Authority and Transport for NSW, streamlining the distribution of disaster recovery funds.
Previously, councils faced significant financial strain as they had to finance infrastructure repairs upfront and wait for reimbursement from other levels of government.
Now, through the newly established Tripartite Agreements, councils like Armidale Regional Council can access advance funding at the onset of each reconstruction phase.
The Tripartite Agreements mean less financial pressure on councils, faster road repairs for communities and enhanced collaboration between government agencies.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
"When a region is hit by a natural disaster, the last thing councils need to worry about is coming up with the cash to restore essential road and transport infrastructure.
"The new pilot agreement the NSW Government has struck with councils will now help more councils get on with the job faster, knowing they have the funds they will so desperately need."
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:
"The Tripartite Agreements are a great example of all levels of government working with communities to develop new solutions that improve disaster response.
"We are committed to building on the success of these agreements and rolling out more support to help communities rebuild faster after disasters."
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:
"For too long councils have struggled to get timely access to disaster road recovery funding and this is why the government introduced the new Tripartite Agreements to speed up the process.
"With $3.3 billion allocated over the next four years for natural disaster road recovery funding, the Minns Labor Government is working hard with the Albanese Labor Government to roll out funding faster than ever before.
"Regional communities can now rebuild roads and restore vital transport links more quickly thanks to the collaborative efforts of councils, Transport for NSW and the NSW Reconstruction Authority."
Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin said:
"Securing advanced funding for Armidale Regional Council is a vital step forward in rebuilding our community after the devastation caused by natural disasters.
"These funds will directly support the repair of roads and essential infrastructure, ensuring safer and more reliable connections for everyone in our community."
NSW Labor's spokesperson for Northern Tablelands Peter Primrose MLC said:
"The Tripartite Agreement pilot is a major advance in disaster recovery, and importantly, it paves the way to better procedural preparedness.
"I commend the NSW Reconstruction Authority and Transport NSW for leading this new way of rebuilding roads and transport infrastructure. And also Armidale Regional Council for signing onto the pilot funding agreement."
