$1.7 MILLION TO FIX ROADS FASTER IN COWRA SHIRE
A $1,703,750 cash injection for roads in Cowra Shire will create jobs and boost the local economy at a time when it is needed most.
The Federal Government has committed $191 million to build on the New South Wales Government’s Fixing Local Roads program.
It comes just weeks after the Federal Government’s Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program announcement, which will provide a further $915,452 to stimulate the local economy in the Cowra region.
Riverina MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Federal Government continued to deliver on its commitment for regional Australia.
“I am proud to be a part of a Government which has supported our regional areas so much as this COVID-19 pandemic has unfolded,” Mr McCormack said.
“I know regional and rural residents rely on roads much more than our city counterparts which is why I took our fight to the Cabinet table to deliver for residents in the Cowra Shire.
“Cowra Council submitted a shortlist of projects which they deemed as shovel ready and from there I have worked tirelessly in my role as Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development along with NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole to ensure our regional roads receive the funding they deserve.
“We are delivering on our commitment to get people where they need to go sooner and safer.
“This funding will deliver critical infrastructure projects right across the country to help keep construction businesses running and people in jobs.”
Cowra Mayor Bill West said the funding would go towards improving roads on school bus routes.
“Not only does this funding give the Council an opportunity to improve road infrastructure but, in this instance, the funding will be focused on school bus routes to increase the level of safety for our school children,” Councillor West said.
“This funding is really important for the Cowra community and I acknowledge the hard work of our Federal Member Michael McCormack.”
NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the NSW Government was also accelerating its funding for the program to get more projects to seal, maintain and repair local roads under way faster.
“We’re not just putting our foot down in terms of delivering this package – we’re turbocharging it to ensure we create jobs and create better journeys on the roads that really matter to local communities,” Mr Toole said.
“This is money for small projects that make a big difference in people’s everyday lives in regional NSW.”
The Federal and NSW Governments will deliver a total of $32,261,135 towards projects across the Riverina and Central West through this new funding announcement.
This vital funding stream is part of a wider $1.5 billion Federal Government infrastructure package which will provide an immediate injection into the economy and bring jobs back online to help stem the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“$1 billion of this Federal Government package will fund projects which can get under way now and over the next six months, to give an immediate boost to the economy and local jobs – right at the time we need it,” Mr McCormack said.
“I will continue to work with Cowra Council, along with my Nationals colleague and NSW Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke, to deliver these job-creating priority projects, building on our unprecedented co-operation to date through the National Cabinet of States and Territories.
“This is part of our $100 billion, 10-year infrastructure pipeline, which is laying the foundations of a financial bridge to recovery on the other side of the COVID-19 crisis.”
Road funding for Cowra Shire
Project name | Summary of works | Joint funding from Federal and NSW Government
Pavement Strengthening Cowra Council Gravel Road School Bus Routes | Repairing gravel pavement on key local school bus routes: Tallarook Road; Troopers Road; Clements Road; Quartpot Road; Eagle View Road; Glen Logan Road; Sheep Station Road; Fragars Road; Pride of Oak Road; Wianamatta Road; Kirribilli Road; Mt McDonald Road; Kangaroo Flat Road | $1,297,500
Sealing Unsealed School Bus Routes To Improve Safety and Access to Services | Sealing unsealed sections on the following roads: Quarterpot Road; Mt McDonald Road; Kangaroo Flat Road | $255,750
Heavy Patching Existing Sealed Roads on School Bus Routes | Repairing sections of key local roads: Broula Road; Morongla Road; Noonbinna Road; Macquarie Street; Kite Street; Pine Mount Road | $150,500
Total Federal and NSW State Government funding: $1,703,750