Photo caption: A $5 million immediate cash injection for three of the region’s local councils to repair more roads today, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, left, with Walcha Mayor Eric Noakes.
Friday, 13 January 2023
THREE local councils across the region – Gwydir, Uralla and Walcha – have today shared in an immediate $5 million cash injection to repair even more local road damage, Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall has announced.
Mr Marshall said the funding was part of a $20 million announcement made today by Regional Roads Minister Sam Farraway, to advance a portion of the disaster payments to councils right now, rather than waiting for councils to claim the flood damage payments later this year
“This is yet another welcome cash boost for our local councils to crack on with the flood damage repair works without having to wade through piles of paperwork and wait for Transport for NSW to approve the projects,” Mr Marshall said.
“Our region’s councils are responsible for almost all the roads we drive on every day and their staff know every single kilometre best, so advancing this money now makes sense, allowing councils to proceed with thew works right now, rather than waiting until later this year.
“Last year was an incredibly wet year and the devastating impact of this on the roads will take a long time and tens of millions of dollars to repair – so every single dollar that government can provide right now makes a world of difference.”
Under today’s payments, Gwydir Shire Council will receive $3 million, while Uralla Shire Council and Walcha Council will receive $1 million each.
“This new, first of its kind, natural disaster funding program allows councils to build back their road and transport infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events, it’s the way of the future and will help our region to come back stronger after last year,” Mr Marshall said.