Motorists continue to report widespread flood damage across NSW’s road network as farmers issue a fresh plea for funding to repair rural roads.
NSW Farmers Executive Councillor and Taree beef farmer Deborah Willis said record floods in May had crippled thousands of kilometres of roads that had been deteriorating in condition since 2021.
“Huge potholes and whole sections of road have been washed out, cracked or broken away and simply left sitting there after successive floods, with no sign of permanent repair in sight,” Ms Willis said.
“Truck drivers are making huge detours to get food off farm and along the supply chain, adding extra time and cost for farmers and consumers, while rural families are running huge risks by simply driving on their dangerous local roads.
“This is a serious safety hazard, and we need long-term, lasting road repair that’s done properly.”
Ms Willis said all levels of government must make funding for road repairs and upgrades available now, with the NSW Government urged to deliver serious infrastructure funding in its next state budget.
“Boosting federal support for Financial Assistance Grants to local governments to fix our roads would go a long way to getting our roads back on track, but the state government must step up now and invest in our infrastructure,” Ms Willis said.
“Just like any other taxpayer, our farmers and families here in rural NSW deserve safe and driveable roads – but right now, all we’ve got is costs, risks and accidents.”