A number of Hunter thoroughfares, including Avenue of the Allies in Port Stephens, are set to benefit from several revamped federal government programs.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Catherine King announced this week the Roads to Recovery (R2R) and Black Spot initiatives would receive significant funding boosts.
Meanwhile, the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program (HVSPP) and the Bridges Renewal Program (BRP) will be merged into the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program (SLRIP).
The enhancements are designed to allow councils to maintain and upgrade their local networks more efficiently.
R2R is slated to rise gradually from $500 million to $1 billion per year while Black Spot financial assistance increases from $110 million to $150 million annually.
Funding for the SLRIP surges to $200 million, up $50 million.
“These initiatives are already making a major impact to road quality and safety in NSW communities, with nearly $758 million flowing to NSW councils under R2R,” Ms King said.
“Plus, a combined total of more than $440 million has been provided to NSW across the life of the BRP and HVSPP.
“Big roads and metropolitan highways might get a lot of the attention, but we spend most of our driving lives on local roads around where we live and where we work.
“Regional networks have been battered by severe weather events over the past few years.
“This investment will support those communities and help move freight to and from our rural production centres.
“It’ll also give councils certainty and the ability to plan, along with a reduction in the administrative burden.”
The government will invest more than $480,000, under R2R, towards the upgrade of the Avenue of the Allies at Tanilba Bay.
The work supports pavement widening, installation of additional drainage and improved intersection layouts.
Port Stephens mayor Ryan Palmer welcomed the news.
“Every cent counts for local councils, not just in Port Stephens, but across regional communities because they are calling on us to provide more services than ever before,” he said.
“The additional roads funding will play a huge role in how we plan for and deliver the upgrades that residents expect to see.
“The Port Stephens region is fast growing, which is why we want our roads to be ready for the increased demand.
“Whether that’s in residential areas, or some of our key tourist routes, this extra funding will help us do just that.”
Under the BRP, the government has contributed $150,000 towards the Notts Creek Bridge replacement on Oakendale Road in Glen Oak, too.
The project, replacing the ageing timber bridge with a new concrete structure, is expected to be finished by late 2023.
“Councils in Paterson and the Hunter have significant and old road networks to maintain – ones that are under more demand than ever as more people chose to live in our regions,” Paterson MP Meryl Swanson said.
“We drive on them every day for school, for sport and to get to work.
“And, councils are responsible for ensuring that they are safe and fit-for-purpose.
“That is why the Albanese government is putting more money in their hands… making it easier for councils to get the work done.”
The changes were recommended by the Independent Strategic Review of the Infrastructure Investment Program and the increases in funding will be phased in over the forward estimates to avoid putting pressure on inflation, supply costs and the construction labour market.
Roads to Recovery is calculated by population and road length – with a consultation process to be undertaken in early 2024 to ensure that any changes to this formula works for local governments.
“Councils across the Hunter have all asked for the same thing,” Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Kristy McBain said.
“They all want more support so that they can better maintain and upgrade their local road networks.
“We’ve listened and will substantially increase the funding available to them.
“That’ll make it easier for councils to progress priority road projects that their communities are calling out for.
“When all levels of government work together, we get better results in our communities, which is why we’ll continue to collaborate with local leaders across the country as we roll out this additional support.”
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