Mayor Maree Statham Discusses Disaster Recovery for Roads with Regional Transport Minister

17 April, 2024

On Monday afternoon the Lithgow Council Mayor Maree Statham and Council’s staff met with The Hon. Jenny Aitchison MP, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, and Mr. Alistair Lunn, Director West – Transport for NSW.

The meeting focused on the Council’s commitment to reinstate access to the Wolgan Valley. The Mayor highlighted the importance of improved access for the community residing in the Wolgan Valley. The Minister also heard about the complexity involved in building a new road into the valley. In recognition, the NSW Government undertook to contribute their road building expertise to the project.

On her visit to the Lithgow area, The Hon. Jenny Aitchison MP said “It was good to meet with Lithgow City Council and hear from them about the extensive work being done to restore access to Wolgan Valley and repair other flood damage. I look forward to continuing to work with them and Transport for NSW and the Reconstruction Authority”.

The Council also raised the need for more government resources to be allocated toward faster processes of approval for funding of other disaster-affected roads across the city and the broader NSW Central West. The Minister agreed with this and advised that arrangements are being made.

Mayor Statham said, “I was very pleased that the Minister travelled to Lithgow to meet with the General Manager, Director Infrastructure & Economy, and I to hear about our challenges. It is clear to me that she understands the immensity of the task faced by regional councils like Lithgow Council to repair roads that have been damaged by multiple disasters.”