Extra funding boost to benefit local unsealed road network
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Yass Valley Council has received an extra $1,020,648 under an extension of the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program, which will be spent on the gravel re-sheeting of unsealed roads throughout the Local Government Area.
The LRCI Program aims to assist a community-led economic recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on a local level through procurement, jobs creation and supporting small business.
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack announced the additional boost in October 2020, identifying regional Australia as having a vital role to play in building a road to economic recovery. The now $1.5 billion program will continue to support local jobs and businesses and will boost local economies struggling under the effects of COVID-19 and will enable councils to deliver priority projects with a focus on local road and community infrastructure upgrades and maintenance.
Councillors determined at the November meeting to spend the money on the gravel re-sheeting of Council’s unsealed road network. This allocation of funding will be the first step in re-establishing an annual re-sheeting program for the rural road network.
“Gravel re-sheeting of unsealed roads is an essential requirement to ensure that a grading intervention can be effective. The gravel re-sheeting program was suspended due to the drought and Council has been trying to play catch up ever since,” said Yass Valley Mayor Rowena Abbey.
“The allocation of this funding will be the first step in re-establishing an annual re-sheeting program for the unsealed network.”
Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain, said country people rely on the local road network more than anyone so she has no doubt news of these upgrades will be well received.
“I will continue to lobby for more funds and support the work of Yass Valley Council for the betterment of our community,” she continued.
The work is programmed to commence in April 2021 and continue throughout the year, with a set completion date of 31 December 2021.
Various roads throughout the LGA will be included, however, a firm schedule is yet to be set. More information will be provided on this when it becomes available.
Preliminary list of roads for gravel re-sheeting (in alphabetical order only)
Back Creek Road Bango Lane Casey Close Connells Lane Coolalie Road Dicks Creek Road Dog Trap Road Gums Lane Longrail Gully Lucernvale Road Old Gap Road Springrange Road Tallagandra Lane Yass River Road3 2021
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