The New South Wales Government is encouraging councils to apply for the latest round of the $543 million Fixing Country Roads program.
Sam Farraway, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, said the new round would focus on shovel-ready projects that deliver immediate benefits to communities and improve freight connections.
“We want projects that build better, safer roads and bridges with higher speed and load limits that improve access for freight on the local and regional road network,” he said.
“Every 100 kilometres out of a truck driver’s way costs over $300, so helping councils to build the infrastructure that reduces travel times for industry will ultimately reduce costs for families.”
The Livestock, Bulk and Rural Carriers Association (LBRCA) has voiced support for the Fixing Country Roads program.
LBRCA President Wade Lewis said the program had enabled operators to reduce costs and increase overall productivity and safety.
“The NSW Fixing Country Roads funding provides an economic and productivity edge for the agricultural and heavy vehicle transport sector to achieve better outcomes for NSW businesses and communities, which are reliant on efficient, cost-effective and safe road freight services,” he said.
Since 2014, more than 80 regional New South Wales councils have shared $462.5 million to fund more than 320 individual projects – 260 of which have now been completed.
When all funded projects are completed, the program will have provided an additional 1889 kilometres of sealed road, saving councils an estimated $8.55 million in reduced maintenance costs.
Applications for the new Fixing Country Roads round are open until 5pm Friday 14 October 2022.
For more information, visit: www.transport.nsw.gov.au
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- Works ramping up on NSW’s Silver City Highway
- Freight operations restored for NSW’s Main Western Line
- Round Four applications open for NSW road repairs
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