More local NSW roads set for safety upgrades following $150m funding

More local roads across New South Wales will soon be upgraded following a $150 million funding commitment from the Australian and State Governments. 

The funding will deliver over 100 new road upgrade projects under Round 2 of the Fixing Local Roads Program. The projects will be spread out across 90 local government areas across New South Wales. 

In addition, the projects will be supporting over 1,000 jobs. 

“Safe, reliable roads are essential for communities in regional New South Wales – by improving roads, we are making a big difference to people's lives in ensuring they get home sooner and safer. 

“The funding will improve the safety of roads in local communities, including repairing, patching, maintaining and sealing local roads,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said. 

Approximately $500 million has been invested by the New South Wales Government to help councils in repairing, maintaining as well as sealing priority local roads – delivered through the Fixing Local Roads Program – with the Australian Government investing $191 million to ensure more regional communities will benefit from the projects. 

“We're injecting even more funding into the roads in the bush that communities depend on, which means a safer and smoother journey for everyone. 

“Better maintained roads mean safer trips to school, to work and to the shops – and the NSW Government is committed to helping councils create and support jobs, drive productivity and keep our regional communities connected. 

“Big infrastructure projects might create a lot of headlines but these are small projects that make a big difference in people's everyday lives,” Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said. 

During Round 1 of the program, about $243 million was jointly funded to deliver 253 projects across 84 Local Government Areas. On the other hand, approximately $150 million is allocated for Round 2 that will see 108 road projects in 90 Local Government Areas fixed. 

All the projects covered by the Fixing Local Roads Program are set to be completed within two years to ensure local communities receive the benefits as soon as possible. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; Transport for NSW (1, 2)