Work is progressing to boost flood resilience in key Upper Hunter areas.
Upper Hunter Shire Council secured $3.04 million in joint Federal and New South Wales government funding under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). This comprised $648,150 for Essential Public Asset Reconstruction (EPAR) and $2.39 million in betterment funding through the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package (RRTRP).
Improvements to 12 Upper Hunter area causeways will help road networks stay open longer during extensive rainfall, ensuring local agricultural industries continue to operate, and will help to reduce maintenance and repair costs for Upper Hunter Shire Council.
The stormwater drainage improvements for eight local road crossings are designed to prevent erosion, scouring, silting, vegetation build-up and surface damage to the road surface from high water pressure.
This work will help to reduce the frequency and duration of road closures due to flooding and maintain access to the road network for residents, visitors, public transport and freight.
Upper Hunter has been deluged by floodwater at various points over the past few years. Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said it’s important to provide locals the reassurance that all levels of government understand the challenges that natural disasters pose for residents, businesses and visitors, and that they are working together to help maintain access in the future.
“The social and economic benefits of maintaining road access during severe weather events flow on to the whole community,” said NSW Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison
“I’d like to thank Upper Hunter Shire Council for putting forward this package of work on causeways and stormwater drainage, which will benefit many roads across the local government area and help maintain access so everyday trips to work and school can still go ahead during periods of significant rain.”
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NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said rebuilding roads so they stay open longer during floods is common sense.
“We know natural disasters are going to keep coming, so it’s vital we build back better to ensure our communities are better prepared next time and recover faster.
“That means stronger, more resilient roads that can stand up to future floods and keep our communities connected.”
The Betterment of Causeways program is already making a visible difference across the Upper Hunter, according to Mayor Maurice Collison.
He said with sites like Mount Erin Road almost complete, the community is seeing first-hand the benefits of stronger, more resilient infrastructure.
“This funding from the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package has enabled us to upgrade critical drainage and causeway assets, projects that would otherwise be out of reach for a regional council of our size.
“It’s a significant win for local residents and road users alike.”
