Roads have been a hot topic of discussion lately after months of La Nina weather patterns have shown their wear and tear on essential routes around the regions.
This funding will allow for the reconstruction and upgrade of four local roads to improve safety outcomes, through the installation of crash barriers, pavement reconstruction and widening and initial sealing works. Plus the reconstruction and upgrade of approximately 1.8kms of Hobbys Yards Road and the replacement of a failed reinforced concrete box culvert with a single span bridge on Belubula Way.
Member for Bathurst Paul Toole met with Blayney Shire Council and Cadia representatives to announce the more than $7.5 million grant.
“This is great news for the community of Blayney and surrounding villages and I am thrilled the Liberals and Nationals in Government are able to show an ongoing commitment to delivering safer roads that get locals where they need to be,” Mr Toole said.
“The future of Blayney’s roads is in good hands with Blayney Shire Council shovel ready to repair roads that have been hit the hardest.
“It’s absolutely crucial we continue to support regional mining towns that supply our State with the resources needed to keep the lights on and the economy moving forward, and this program is just another example of the NSW Government’s commitment to the future of our mining regions.”
Blayney Shire Mayor Scott Ferguson was thrilled Council was able to allocate $7.5 million of the $8.1 million awarded to transport related infrastructure.
Mr Ferguson confirmed the local roads covered by the grant funding to be completed over the next 2 – 3 years include Browns Creek Road, Tallwood Road, Barry Road and Richards Lane.
“Council acknowledges transportation is one of, if not the key asset that Council must continue to invest in as it provides safer and improved outcomes for all stakeholders within the community.”
“Resources for Regions is a critically important program not only for Blayney Shire Council but for all 24 Councils in NSW that contain mining operations, particularly as it returns royalties collected by the NSW Government. Critically, the direct allocation of Resources for Regions funds to Councils enables the local Council to identify and nominate projects most needed within its community” Mr Ferguson said.
Cadia’s Acting General Manager Mick Dewar said mining was a major contributor to the NSW economy and it was pleasing to see royalties reinvested for the benefit of local communities.
“Cadia enjoys working collaboratively with Blayney Shire Council to ensure that our operation continues to support the economic and community growth of the Shire through Resources for Regions,” Mr Dewar said.
“This significant investment will deliver safer local roads, more efficient freight networks and better connections for Blayney Shire residents.”
Since 2012, Resources for Regions has supported economic and social prosperity in mining communities in regional NSW, with the $140 million Round Nine expanded to support communities where gas exploration or mining may occur.
The $560 million Resources for Regions is part of the NSW Government’s $3.3 billion Regional Growth Fund, designed to support growing regional centres, activate local economies and improve services and infrastructure for regional communities.
For further information, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/R4R
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