Council Works – Week ending 07 May 2019

 “For the week ending 07 May, the following key works were completed by Council staff”, noted Council’s Mayor, Cr. Ray Thompson.

“Within the urban Lithgow area last week, Council staff and contractors completed a number of major projects in time for the end of the 2018/19 financial year,” said Mayor Thompson. “Firstly, the improvement of Marrangaroo’s storm water infrastructure is complete. Capacity for storm water catchment flow has been increased by almost 9 times the original amount at the outlet which is expected to have a positive effect on ongoing flooding concerns in the area. Secondly, McKanes Falls Road renewals have been completed with over 12,000 square metres of bitumen and pavement being rehabilitated. While guideposts and line marking has not yet been completed, the surface of the asset has been drastically improved for the benefit of locals and visitors,” said Mayor Thompson.

“In the last week Council’s rural works staff have continued their focus on the maintenance of sealed and unsealed roads,” noted Mayor Thompson. “The maintenance grading of Quarry Road, Ben Bullen and Millers Road, Lidsdale is complete. Maintenance works are ongoing on Cullenbenbong Road, Kanimbla and Peach Tree Road, Megalong Valley. Works will also commence this week on the maintenance grading of Mount Horrible Road, Dark Corner. Alongside this maintenance, asphalt patching has occurred widely on Rydal Hampton Road (including roadside slashing) and Glen Alice Road.”

“As time goes on, many grant application become available to local government organisations for the purpose in assisting with the costs of road construction and renewal,” said Mayor Thompson. “Council greatly appreciates the respective funding bodies for these opportunities. However, these opportunities are generally targeted to specific assets or are guided by strict funding principles and guidelines which restrict their use.”

“Where possible, Council applies for every grant application that becomes available, subject to Council having the means to contribute required resources or being able to meet the appropriate grant criteria,” said Mayor Thompson. “Staff have recently applied for grant funding for roads, storm water and recreation infrastructure under the Regional Roads Repair program, Fixing Country Roads program, Drought Relief Heavy Vehicle Access program, Growing Local Economies fund and the Drought Communities program. Staff are also in the process of shortlisting appropriate projects for the 2020/21 NSW Blackspot program to best ensure success and maximize Council’s ability and financial resources to deliver roads-related services to the community.”