The state government has dished up $30 million for upgrades to Summervilles and Gordonville Roads.
Announced last week, the major investment comes on top of $4.9 million commitment from the federal government and $1.1 million of co-contributions nominated by Bellingen Shire Council.
Council is now just $4.7 million shy of its $40 million funding package target to fully upgrade Summervilles Road, including widening sections of the road and replacing critical bridges along the route. An application for this amount has been submitted for the Australian Government’s Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program.
Council General Manager, Mark Griffioen, said road crews worked hard on Summervilles Road while Waterfall Way was closed to make it safer, including regular pothole patching, rebuilding damaged road shoulders, grading, slashing, and keeping the dust down using water tankers.
“However, there is only so much basic maintenance that can be done on a local rural road that has tight bends, narrow sections and steep gradients, as well as old bridges with limited load bearing capacity,” Mr Griffioen said.
“If Summervilles and Gordonville Roads are to be the detour routes when Waterfall Way closes, then they need that significant investment by state and federal goverments.”
“Council is pleased about the announcement by the state government, which will go a long way to improving these roads, including widening and resurfacing the road, upgrading the drainage and improving line marking and roadside barriers, as well as additional safety measures.”
“This is in addition to the initial funding to replace two wooden bridges – Summervilles Road and Summervilles Creek bridges – as well as sealing three kilometres of unsealed roads.”
Mayor Steve Allan also commended the state government on this significant investment in the Shire’s roads, providing some resilience to alternate routes as part of the short-term solutions for Waterfall Way.
“After what has been a challenging period for our Shire following the temporary closure of Waterfall Way, this $30 million investment is incredibly welcome,” Cr Allan said.
“Council heard directly from the community through the Community Impact Survey about the significant and far-reaching impacts the nine-week closure had on people’s daily lives, local businesses and community connections.”
“We are still awaiting the outcome of Council’s application under the Australian Government’s Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program, which would provide the remaining funding needed to replace Rosewood Bridge as part of the broader program.”
“This significant level of investment shows there is a shared understanding across all levels of government that improving the safety, reliability and resilience of our alternate routes is essential while long-term solutions for Waterfall Way and the east–west transport connection continue to be progressed.”
“These upgrades will make a real difference for our communities, businesses, and visitors who rely on these roads during closures and emergencies.”
“This work will be coordinated with the planned work on Waterfall Way as a long-term solution is implemented at the Gordonville slip site. Meanwhile our advocacy work will continue to get formal recognition of the Cascade Corridor as the preferred long-term alternate route between the Dorrigo Plateau and the coast to give our communities long term stability and resilience.”