Applications are now open for funding to help four Central West councils rebuild their transport infrastructure to better withstand the challenges posed by future severe weather events.
Jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments, the $32 million Regional Transport Resilience Fund (RTRF) aims to assist with improvements in the worst hit local government areas (LGAs) of the Central West:
- Cabonne
- Forbes
- Lachlan
- Parkes
Transport for NSW and the NSW Reconstruction Authority started working with eligible Councils earlier this year to identify opportunities for betterment projects and support councils to make submissions, which are due by May 31.
“Betterment work ensures that assets like roads and bridges are built back to an improved standard, helping Central West communities to bounce back faster after severe weather events,” said Special Envoy for Disaster Recovery, Senator Tony Sheldon.
“By investing now to improve the quality and durability of transport infrastructure, we reduce the need to close roads and important access routes, as well as the time it takes to clear debris and rebuild for communities, each time severe weather hits.”
NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison added, “The 2022 floods in the Central West had a catastrophic impact on local government transport infrastructure, impacting a geographical area of about 11,000 kilometres, severing critical emergency access and community service connections, and causing extensive damage.
“These works will help reduce future costs of repairs to road and transport assets damaged by natural disasters, as well as improving safety, asset utility and connectivity during, and after natural disasters.”
“Research shows that for every dollar invested in risk mitigation and betterment, up to $10 is saved in recovery.”