$100 million package to improve roads across MidCoast
Published on 31 May 2018
MidCoast Council has welcomed today’s State Government funding package that will see a $100 million road program for the region which will make significant inroads into addressing a “generational backlog of roadworks”, according to Mayor David West.
The Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro, the Minister for Roads and Freight Melinda Pavey, and the Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead announced a $50 million roads funding package while in Forster for a community cabinet meeting today.
MidCoast Council will match the funding to deliver a huge $100 million road package to the community. Council’s contribution is fully funded by the already approved special rate variation.
The package will improve the safety and drivability of local roads.
MidCoast Mayor, Cr David West, said funding of this magnitude does not come about without genuine goodwill and cooperation.
“It is a truly significant moment for the MidCoast community - this injection of funds will take us a long way to address a generational backlog of roadworks which could not have been achieved without the generosity of the State Government and the foresight of MidCoast Council to successfully raise funds through a special rate variation which was supported by the local community,” Cr West said.
“No one likes special rate variations but to have local funds match with State Government funding has provided an opportunity for Council to implement a major road repair program over a four year period which will see the standard of the road network vastly improved.
“Council knows that improving the standard of roads across the area is the number one priority of our community which is why we have worked strategically and cooperatively with the State Government to deliver this fantastic result. I am delighted that our constructive and positive approach has delivered a successful outcome for the local community.”
Cr West said Council has been working closely with the State Government on a partnership approach to address roadwork backlogs since receiving approval for a special rate variation in June 2017.
“It is pleasing that - with the assistance of the Local Member Stephen Bromhead and the State Government support - we now have the green light for this unique partnership proposal.”
Funding the maintenance and renewal of the road network across the region was identified as a significant challenge very early in the formation of MidCoast Council.