Local News

National’s seal another $2m for local roads

Much needed work is coming for Clarence and Richmond councils with the NSW Government providing an extra $2 million for three local road maintenance and upgrade projects, Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis has announced.

“Fixing Local Roads is a $500 million Nationals in NSW Government program with the twin regional aims of making travel safer and supporting jobs during the COVID crisis,” Mr Gulaptis said.

Grafton will be spruced up with a half million dollar rehabilitation of Pound Street, the rural Marengo Road off Armidale Road in Hernani is set for a welcome $600,000 gravel resheeting, while Benns Road near Casino gets a little over $1 million in work.

Clarence Valley Council said Pound Street would get a new asphalt overlay and more than 11 km of Marengo Road would be resheeted with a premium road base.

Richmond Valley Council Mayor Robert Mustow also welcomed the news, saying it was a great outcome for all those who regularly use Benns Road and adding the project was part of Council’s commitment to deliver safe, efficient and high-quality infrastructure to Richmond Valley communities and businesses.

“Local road maintenance accounts for a huge chunk of Council’s budget, so we are thankful for every extra dollar we can get,” he said.

Mr Gulaptis stressed there was never a bad time to fix roads, but it was a particularly good idea to get the bulldozers out while the economy is in forced slowdown and traffic is unusually light.

“There is more money where this came from, so I would encourage residents with local road issues to contact their Council with their wish list,” Mr Gulaptis said.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said Fixing Local Roads had already delivered more than $394 million for 361 projects across 91 regional Local Government Areas from Armidale to Albury in the first two rounds.

“Communities across the state are already reaping the benefits of this program with 97 projects now open to traffic – and today’s announcement will see councils deliver a further 138 projects over the next two years,” Mr Toole said..

“These projects won’t just ensure that locals see the benefits of this investment every time they get behind the wheel, they’re also supporting an additional 1,374 jobs throughout construction.”

Further information at www.nswroads.work/fixinglocalroads.