NSW councils are being encouraged by the state government to apply for a share of $15 million for road maintenance to support increased freight movements of drought relief.
Grants of up to $300,000 are available for costs of maintenance and improvements on council roads, which can include shoulder repairs, road surface repairs and signage.
Works that will be considered also include heavy patching, pavement rehabilitation, grading of unsealed roads to reduce roughness and rutting, seals that contribute to minimising long term maintenance costs, tree trimming to improve access to large vehicles, the installation of infrastructure monitoring equipment and more.
Recently completed projects which improve freight access for drought relief can also be considered for the grants.
Work on the road upgrades must be started within 30 days of receiving confirmation from Roads and Maritime Services and must be completed within 50 days.
The NSW Government has also states it will make improvements to strategic freight links and roads that provide relief to other parts of the local network.
Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said farmers impacted by the drought are relying on the vital transport of stock, feed and water across the state, which has increased the impact on the road network.
“Funding will be targeted to support improved productivity for road freight while maintaining or improving safety for road users,” Ms Pavey said.
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