Rural Roads Update
Published on 03 August 2020
Council has now completed the assessment process for submission of claims under the NSW Government Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements 2018 (DRFA) for restoration works on our rural road network in response to heavy rainfall and flooding events in the first half of 2020.
The assessment process entailed quantifying damage and estimating costs across Gilgandra Shire’s 1250kms of local rural road network. Council is continuing to lodge claims and it is expected that the NSW Government will approve works to commence on a progressive basis.
General Manager, David Neeves says that while it is positive that the process is moving ahead, the recent rainfall will impact ability to commence restoration works.
“Due to current wet weather conditions and the extent of the damage across the Shire, full flood restoration repairs cannot be immediately completed.”
“With significant rainfall again falling across the Gilgandra Shire last week, our rural roads are incurring significant additional damage, and are simply too damp at this point to carry out effective restoration works.”
In the interim, Council is planning to deliver a Shire wide maintenance grading program to our unsealed rural road network, where conditions permit.
“This recent rainfall, while welcoming for our agricultural industry, alters the works program as we respond to this” says Mr Neeves
“Maintenance grades will be undertaken during the next few months to ensure roads are safely passable whilst smoothing out some of the potholes and corrugations especially coming in to what we hope to be a busy harvest season. Maintenance grading is expected to commence in the south eastern quadrant of the Shire.”
Adding,
“It is expected that full restoration works on rural roads to commence following this and as weather permits. Restoration works will consist of formation and reconstruction grading, desilting of table drains and culverts, reinstating lost gravel and repairs to floodways.”
Mr Neeves understands the challenges faced by residents traversing on these rural roads.
“I appreciate there continues to be a period of rough roads and frustration for road users, however Council needs to complete the disaster declaration process to optimise the funding potential and longer term benefit for our ratepayers.”
“Residents are asked to avoid any unnecessary travel on the unsealed rural roads during periods of wet weather, particularly by heavy vehicles, plant and machinery.”
Council will continue emergency works where roads present an immediate risk and Council will instigate temporary rectification measures.
Council will provide further updates regarding the disaster declaration process and works schedule once details become available and weather permitting.
You are encouraged to submit customer requests or report an issue online at www.gilgandra.nsw.gov.au.
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Contact:
Kathryn Larkin
Marketing & Communications Manager
6817 8800