Council is pleased to advise that its rural and regional sealed roads flood damage application to undertake the repair of roads damaged by flood has been recently approved.
“The $8 million claim will almost fully fund the repair works with council contributing approximately $50,000” Mayor Pat Bourke said.
“The tender and procurement process is currently underway and it is anticipated that works will begin on site during August/September 2024.
“As winter is approaching and council is not in a position to deliver the works prior, council wishes to inform road users of the damaged surface and associated hazards when driving on Federation Way between Corowa and Urana."
Council is recommending that drivers consider the surface condition when driving and reduce their speed to 60 km per hour. Some signage will be in place to remind drivers of the damaged surface and to reduce speed.
Mayor Bourke said to support the repair of flood damaged infrastructure, council has submitted five applications for funding.
"Thus far two applications have been approved for rural and regional sealed roads totalling $8 million," he said.
"This funding will almost fully fund the repair works with council contributing approximately $50,000. Council is waiting to be advised of the outcome of their application for the repair of unsealed roads, roadside furniture and tree damage throughout the Federation Council local government area."
$12.29 million over five years
Nation-wide, the Federal Government is making $4.4 billion available under the Roads to Recovery program over the next five years.
Mayor Bourke said council welcomes the additional funding through the Federal Government's Roads to Recovery program.
"Council will receive $12,289,525 in total across the five years of this program," Mayor Bourke said.
"In our Long-Term Financial Plan, council had budgeted to receive $8.4 million from this ongoing funding program. This latest announcement provides an additional $3.9 million on what we anticipated to be receiving and will be spent across our extensive road network."
Mayor Bourke said council has been lobbying the State and Federal Governments for increases in road funding to address council's deteriorating road network.
"Council will continue to lobby both levels of government to ensure our Local Government Area and other rural councils receive increased road funding. Road funding and maintenance forms a huge part of regional and rural councils' ongoing financial sustainability challenges and it is pleasing to see the Federal Government in this instance responding to our lobbying efforts and recognising the challenges we face as a sector."
Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said the Albanese Government is committed to ensuring local government road funding is stable, predictable and fair into the future.
“Local councils are our trusted delivery partners and they know where the work on local roads is most needed to improve safety,” Minister King said.
“That is why we have increased the funding provided through the Roads to Recovery program, delivering on our commitment to improve road safety across Australia.”
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