Steph Cooke | 07 Jul 2023 | All LGAs Hilltops Council Local projects News Roads and Transport
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has welcomed the official start of a trial of new technology to boost safety at the level crossing on the Mary Gilmore Way at Bribbaree.
“I am very pleased to have this trial underway in our electorate, as part of ongoing efforts to improve safety at railway level crossings in regional areas,” Ms Cooke said.
“It is one of two locations in regional New South Wales to trial the new signage and LED flashing lights – aimed at reducing the risk of collisions between trains and vehicles.
“It is my hope that the data collated at Bribbaree will lead to a broader roll out of the technology to passive level crossings in other parts of the electorate.
“We have seen how the roll out of flashing lights at school zones for example has helped to boost driver safety and awareness, and this trial is an important step in response to calls for a boost to level crossing safety.”
Ms Cooke was joined for the switch-on by Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, the Hon Jenny Aitchison and safety campaigner Maddie Bott, together with representatives of the Bribbaree community.
The trial is a commitment of the former NSW Coalition Government, following the community led petition presented by Ms Cooke to NSW Parliament in November 2021.
In addition to the trial, speed limits have also been reduced on the approach to several actively controlled level crossings in the region.
The trial is funded through the Digital Restart Fund, with Transport for NSW to collate the data over 24 months to determine the effectiveness of the technology.
Steph Cooke | 28 Jun 2023 | Hilltops Council News Roads and Transport
Transport for NSW have completed safety testing and are working with Australian Rail Track Corporation and Weddin Shire Council as the trial level crossing system is installed at Mary Gilmore Way in Bribbaree.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has strongly campaigned for changes to be made to reduce the risk of collisions at level crossings between trains and vehicles in regional NSW.
“Following multiple representations and meetings with all levels of Government, we now see reduced speed limits on approaches to all actively controlled level crossings across NSW, not just on our highways.”
“I am pleased the previous NSW Coalition Government listened to the concerns of our regional communities and implemented level crossing safety measures.”
“With an investment made by Transport for NSW through the Level Crossing Improvement Program, we have seen the implementation of the Level Crossing Strategy Council Strategic Plan 2021-2030, to further improve awareness at level crossings and reducing risks for all motorists on our roads.
Ms Cooke recently met with the Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, the Hon. Jenny Aitchison to discuss the implementation of the trial innovative signs with LED flashing lights which are being installed at Mary Gilmore Way in Bribbaree.
Steph Cooke | 14 Mar 2023 | Roads and Transport Temora Shire
The NSW Nationals Government will invest more than $3.3 million to upgrade critical freight routes in Temora Shire to improve connectivity and road access for heavy vehicles.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the funding would upgrade Howards Road in Reefton.
“Works will be carried out on the first section of Howards Road from the Goldfields Way towards BFB Piggery,” Ms Cooke said.
“This will involve replacing a 65-year-old under width bridge and widening the area from 8m to 10m.”
“I’m very happy to see key freight routes like Howards Road receive vitally important upgrades that will keep our local economy moving.”
Temora Shire Council Mayor, Cr Rick Firman said council is delighted to receive the unprecedented funding for the local road network.
“Temora Shire councillors, staff and the community are so appreciative that works will begin on a much-needed upgrade of Howards Road,” Cr Firman said.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the latest round of funding under the Fixing Country Roads program will deliver 29 road upgrades to fast-track journeys for freight operators and drive down the cost of getting goods to market.
“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is strengthening our supply chain to keep our state moving forward,” Mr Farraway said.
The latest round of funding brings the total number of projects funded through the Fixing Country Roads Program to more than 340 across over 80 regional NSW councils.
Steph Cooke | 14 Mar 2023 | Roads and Transport Weddin Shire
Nowlans Road at Bimbi is set for an overhaul with funding of $2,998,632 secured by Weddin Shire Council through the latest round of the NSW Nationals’ $500 million Fixing Local Roads program.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the project is one of eight successful projects in the electorate, allowing Council to undertake crucial rehabilitation and maintenance works.
“It is important that we keep roads like Nowlans Road maintained as this road connects the village Bimbi, Quandialla with Grenfell, through Back Piney Range road,” Ms Cooke said.
“Road users have made regular contact with me about the condition of our road network, so I am very pleased to have secured this funding to support much-needed repairs.”
Weddin Shire Council General Manager Ms Noreen Vu said this funding will allow key safety improvements for users of the road.
“Works will include reshaping the pavement, shoulders and batters, sealing the unsealed section to improve drainage which will both increase the resilience to heavy vehicle movements, inclement weather; and better connection from Bimbi to Weddin Mountain and Grenfell,” Ms Vu said.
“Nowlans Road is the only access road towards Weddin Mountain through Bimbi for tourists of Western Region. It feeds multiple primary producing farms, and as such is traversed by a high percentage of heavy vehicles particularly during harvest season,
“The road is narrow and 75% of the road is unsealed making it unsafe to travel, forcing vehicles to veer off the seal and onto the batters whenever trucks, buses or other cars approach,
“This is complicated by multiple pipe culverts with steep drop-offs hard against the road edge. Also even after slight rain event water goes over the road making it unsafe for vehicles to safely navigate.”
Steph Cooke | 10 Mar 2023 | Bland Shire Roads and Transport
Girral Road and Blow Clear Road are set for improvements and rehabilitation after funding of $3,000,000 was secured by Bland Shire Council through the latest round of the NSW Nationals’ $500 million Fixing Local Roads program.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the project is one of eight successful projects in the electorate, allowing Council to undertake crucial rehabilitation and maintenance works.
“People living in the Bland Shire have been in regular contact with me regarding the state of the local roads. This funding will go a long way toward repairing the road network as well as improving safety for motorists on the school bus run, the commute to and from work or for popping down to the shops,” Ms Cooke said.
Bland Shire Council General Manager Mr Grant Baker said Bland Shire Council are very grateful to receive this funding.
“This will help with capital upgrades for our large road network,” Mr Baker said.
The $500 million NSW Government’s Fixing Local Roads program supports councils to improve routes that regional communities use every day, making journeys for locals, farmers, and freight safer, more efficient, and more reliable.
Steph Cooke | 08 Mar 2023 | Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council Roads and Transport
Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council has secured over $4.2 million to undertake extensive infrastructure works at Hovell Street in Cootamundra, thanks to two NSW Government regional road infrastructure programs.
The funding includes:
$1,804,120 through the latest round of the NSW Government’s Fixing Local Roads program to upgrade Hovell Street, including the pavement and design to enable greater resistance for heavy vehicle traffic, and
$2,461,625 through round six of the NSW Government’s Fixing Country Roads program to construct a bridge structure above the current flood level.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said combined, this funding will ensure the Hovell Street thoroughfare will keep freight moving on our roads.
“These works are crucial to ensure Hovell Street can function as a reliable and safe local road, and to keep freight moving in times of adverse weather,” Ms Cooke said.
“The works to improve the Hovell Street causeway are particularly crucial – we saw only a few months ago the impact on transport when the road closes due to flooding of the Muttama Creek, not to mention the works will also substantially improve safety at this particular section of road.”
Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council Mayor Cr Charlie Sheahan said the funding is very welcome news for the safety and wellbeing of motorists.
“The causeway poses a safety risk to the community, by undertaking these upgrades it provides better connectivity both north and south of the creek,” Cr Sheahan said.
“In the event of a flood, it makes the town more accessible for emergency services and leaves a road link open for the Olympic Highway. This will be great for the community.”
The Fixing Local Roads and Fixing Country Roads are dedicated regional roads programs thanks to the NSW Nationals in Government.
Steph Cooke | 08 Mar 2023 | Roads and Transport Temora Shire
Temora Shire’s Kurrajong Street, Narraburra Street, Mirrool Road, Whites Road, Thom Street, North Street and Lucas Street are set for improvements, thanks to funding of $999,399 secured through the latest round of the NSW Nationals’ $500 million Fixing Local Roads program.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the funding is one of eight successful projects secured for the electorate, allowing Councils to undertake crucial rehabilitation and maintenance works.
“Local motorists have been in regular contact with me about the state of our road network, and this funding that has been secured will go a long way towards supporting much-needed repairs,” Ms Cooke said.
“These works will help to make the school bus run, the commute to and from work safer for locals who rely on these roads every day, while reducing the wear and tear on tyres and cars.”
Temora Shire Council Mayor Cr Rick Firman said this funding is a welcomed investment into the roads across the shire.
“Our local roads have taken a beating over the past few months and this boost of funds will assist the council to undertake the repairs needed to keep the roads safe for our road users,” Mr Firman said.
The $500 million NSW Government’s Fixing Local Roads program supports councils to improve routes that regional communities use every day, making journeys for locals, farmers, and freight safer, more efficient, and more reliable.
Steph Cooke | 01 Mar 2023 | Narrandera Shire Roads and Transport
Old Wagga Road at Narrandera is set for an overhaul with funding of $815,539 secured by Narrandera Shire Council through the latest round of the NSW Nationals’ $500 million Fixing Local Roads program.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the project is one of eight successful projects in the electorate, allowing Council to undertake crucial rehabilitation and maintenance works.
“Road users have made regular contact with me about the condition of our road network, so I am very pleased to have secured this funding to support much-needed repairs,” Ms Cooke said.
“These works will help to make the school bus run, the commute to and from work safer for locals who rely on this road every day.”
The $500 million NSW Government’s Fixing Local Roads program supports councils to improve routes that regional communities use every day, making journeys for locals, farmers, and freight safer, more efficient, and more reliable.
Narrandera Shire Council General Manager Mr George Cowan is delighted with the allocation of funds under the Fixing Local Roads Program.
“These funds will allow Council to reconstruct a section of Old Wagga Road that has become dangerous, it is deformed and narrowed at the edges,” Mr Cowan said.
Steph Cooke | 28 Feb 2023 | Cowra Shire Roads and Transport
Kangarooby Road at Gooloogong is set for an overhaul with funding of $601,000 secured by Cowra Shire Council through the latest round of the NSW Nationals’ $500 million Fixing Local Roads program.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the project is one of eight successful projects in the electorate, allowing Council to undertake crucial rehabilitation and maintenance works.
“Road users have made regular contact with me about the condition of our road network, so I am very pleased to have secured this funding to support much-needed repairs,” Ms Cooke said.
“These works will help to make the school bus run, the commute to and from work safer for locals who rely on this road every day.”
The $500 million NSW Government’s Fixing Local Roads program supports councils to improve routes that regional communities use every day, making journeys for locals, farmers, and freight safer, more efficient, and more reliable.
Cowra Council General Manager, Mr Paul Devery said this funding will enable sealing of approximately 3km of Kangarooby Road at the northern end.
“It is a busy local road that also serves as a school bus route. The project will result in a sealed 6.5m surface compared to the current 4.5m gravel road width and make for greatly improved travelling conditions in all weather,” Mr Devery said.
Steph Cooke | 28 Feb 2023 | Coolamon Shire Roads and Transport
Marrar North Road in Murrulebale is set for an overhaul with funding of $454,718 secured by Coolamon Shire Council through the latest round of the NSW Nationals’ $500 million Fixing Local Roads program.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the project is one of eight successful projects in the electorate, allowing Council to undertake crucial rehabilitation and maintenance works.
“Road users have made regular contact with me about the condition of our road network, so I am very pleased to have secured this funding to support much-needed repairs,” Ms Cooke said.
“These works will help to make the school bus run, the commute to and from work safer for locals who rely on this road every day.”
The $500 million NSW Government’s Fixing Local Roads program supports councils to improve routes that regional communities use every day, making journeys for locals, farmers, and freight safer, more efficient, and more reliable.
Coolamon Shire Council Mayor Cr David McCann said this funding is greatly appreciated and will support improvements in the road network to cater for heavy vehicle efficiencies across various transport routes.
“The Marrar North Road is an important link in our freight network that help move the grain and produce to markets,” Cr McCann said.
