Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke says ensuring rural and regional communities continue to get their fair share of road funding is vital for the ongoing safety and productivity of our local towns and villages.
Ms Cooke met with Bland Shire Council Mayor Brian Monaghan today to announce that $6,481,778 in additional road repair funding has been secured for the Bland Shire Council, under the Regional Emergency Road Repair Fund (RERRF), to undertake maintenance work on the 2,536 kilometres of local and regional roads within the LGA.
“Our roads are the backbone of the community; it’s how we get to work, school, medical appointments, how we socialise and keep in touch with friends and family,” Ms Cooke said.
“It’s with this in mind that I have advocated tirelessly for our region, to ensure the Roads Minister fully understands and appreciates the pivotal role our roads play in connecting our towns, and enabling economic growth.
“As a result I am thrilled to announce that we have been able to secure more than $6.4 million in additional funding for much-needed repair and maintenance of our local roads in the Bland Shire, which is a significant step towards ensuring the safety and convenience of our community members,” she said.
Bland Shire Council Mayor Brian Monaghan says small road maintenance projects can drive big benefits for safety and the economy in the bush.
“We are always under pressure to further fund our roads network; this funding will greatly assist Council’s ability to deliver safer roads for residents,” Mayor Monaghan said.
“Council is extremely pleased that Steph Cooke is listening to local communities. Particularly as we have an enormous road network in the Bland Shire and the damage caused by the recent wet period has resulted in deterioration beyond the Council’s ability to independently fund repairs,” he said.
Maintenance work may include heavy road patching, reshaping and smoothing unsealed roads, carrying out work to improve drainage from the road surface, rehabilitating sections of road, and resurfacing work.
Photograph caption: Steph Cooke with Bland Shire Council Mayor Brian Monaghan in West Wyalong.
