Motorists and community members travelling to, from and around the Dungog Shire will soon benefit from safer journeys with close to $9 million committed to support improved flood-resilient infrastructure.
Dungog Shire Council will receive funding as part of the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package which is jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
As part of the funding, a new 76-metre concrete bridge will be built across the Paterson River at Gresford.
Work will also be carried out on 21 river crossings targeting rural, predominantly low-level causeways and small bridges across the region.
The package also funds pavement strengthening on Hooke and Lord Streets which will improve resilience and reduce ongoing maintenance costs for council.
Quotes attributed to Senator Jenny McAllister, Minister for Emergency Management:
"The Albanese Government is working with the NSW Government and regional councils to ensure communities have resilient infrastructure they can rely on every day.
"Not only will this funding enable Dungog Shire Council to boost their efforts in fixing the current damage, but it will also improve the resilience of the community during future flooding events.
"This project will deliver more reliable infrastructure and assets that keep regional communities in NSW connected, especially during times of severe weather."
Quotes attributed to Paul Scully, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces:
"We're changing the way we traditionally address disasters, by focusing on prevention, mitigation, adaptation and resilience by making planning decisions that improve community resilience over the long term.
"Today's announcement is proof of this new focus with the funding package to strengthen local infrastructure for the Dungog community."
Quotes attributed to Jihad Dib, Minister for Emergency Services:
"The Dungog Shire has experienced flooding as a result of severe weather in the past, which is why these upgrades are so important to the community.
"These projects are important for building resilience in the region, helping communities bounce back quicker after heavy rainfall."
Quotes attributed to Jenny Aitchison, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads:
"The Minns and Albanese governments, along with local councils, are prioritising efforts to improve and clear the natural disaster damage repair backlog for communities across the whole of regional NSW.
"We are proud to be delivering these vital investments in the Dungog Shire.
"In particular, Gresford residents will benefit from the new bridge across the Paterson River, providing a flood-resilient link that will service our community well in all types of weather for many years to come."
Quotes attributed Emily Suvaal, NSW Labor's spokesperson for the Upper Hunter:
"This important work will improve the daily lives of motorists, residents and visitors to the Upper Hunter.
"These upgrades will improve safety significantly while also ensuring a stronger and more reliable road network that keep communities better connected when natural disasters hit."
Quotes attributed to Dungog Shire Council Mayor John Connors:
"This is a wonderful outcome for the people of the Dungog Shire and, in particular, the people of Gresford who have had to contend with access issues for years.
"The improved river crossings and causeways across the shire will ensure access for residents and emergency vehicles after heavy rainfall events is returned more rapidly, and a new bridge over the Paterson River at Gresford will allow for all-weather access for the community and better economic opportunities for rural producers to utilise larger vehicles, with reliance on the natural river crossing a thing of the past.
"We have been advocating for this funding for almost two years on behalf of the community, who deserve roads and infrastructure that can withstand the sometimes-challenging environment.
"We're very grateful to the Australian and NSW Governments for providing this funding so we can deliver these vital projects."
