The Albanese Government has approved redirected funding to upgrade two vital Blue Mountains transport networks - Megalong Valley Road and Railway Parade.
This delivers on a $12.5 million election commitment to the people of the Blue Mountains and recognises the importance of better road connections in the region.
The original $12.5 million election commitment involved a range of upgrades to the Blue Mountains road network. Due to extensive storm damage in recent years, however, many of the intended roads have already been repaired through the state and federal government's disaster funding arrangements.
Working closely with the Blue Mountains City Council, the Federal Government has agreed to reallocate the election funding to the Megalong Road and Railway Parade, and will fully fund the upgrades.
The project, which covers 8km of Megalong Valley Road between Blackheath Glen Reserve Campground and Old Ford Reserve Campground and 5.5km of Railway Parade between Wentworth Falls and Lawson, will deliver heavy patching, road resealing and rehabilitation work, including kerb, gutter and drainage upgrades.
Construction is on schedule to commence in mid-2024, with detailed design and tender processes already underway.
While all levels of government work urgently to repair the newly-collapsed section of Megalong Valley Road, these new upgrades will improve the resilience of other segments of the road network that provide access to residents and connection to businesses essential to the community and growth of the region.
Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
"I thank the emergency services for all the work they are doing to assist residents in the Megalong Valley. My thoughts are with the community-the families and businesses that have been adversely affected.
"The Blue Mountains road network has seen extensive damage and flood-related closures in recent years, and I was grateful to see that previous road upgrades remained secure during last week's flooding.
"This investment is further confirmation that all levels of government are committed to working in partnership to deliver more resilient and efficient networks for the Blue Mountains community."
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman:
"I am proud to be delivering on a government election commitment, and I'm really pleased that with the Blue Mountains City Council we've been able to provide this funding where it is needed most.
"In recent days we've seen just how vital our local roads are to residents and businesses, and while there is urgent work being done on the latest Megalong landslide, I am pleased we can help the council make the road network more resilient."
Quotes attributable to Blue Mountains City Council Mayor Mark Greenhill:
"The full cost of road repair in the Megalong Valley is more than the council's annual income, and recovery will need to be a partnership between local, state and federal governments.
"We look forward to getting this much-needed upgrade underway while focusing on the immediate repair needs of the disaster-affected areas."
