Works continue to repair widespread damage to the Warrumbungle Shire road network, caused by successive natural disaster events from November 2021 to September 2022.
“The natural disaster events dating from November 2021 resulted in damage to most of the roads right across the Warrumbungle local government area, and indeed throughout much of New South Wales, Victoria and parts of Queensland,” said Warrumbungle Shire Council Mayor, Councillor Ambrose Doolan.
“Since then, council has been working constantly on assessing the roads, capturing accurate data for the rigorous process to apply for financial assistance, and to systematically work through the road repairs.
“Even after all this time we are still awaiting approval from the NSW Government for funding for some restoration works from the November 2021 storm events, which is also hindering the recovery.
“With over 2500km of roads, the task of restoring our road network is huge. Road crews are working additional hours and days on local rural roads to get the works completed quicker. Additional staff have been taken on and council is also partnering with local contractors to supply extra labour and machinery. Council is also about to tender for additional contractors to speed up the restoration process,” said Cr Doolan.
“It is great to see the road works are happening across the LGA, different crews are working in different locations all the time to systematically work through the priority order that was adopted by council. The community will be seeing the results, most recently works in the Cobborah Road area were completed,” said Cr Doolan.
“There is not a town, village or locality in the Warrumbungle LGA that has not been affected by the natural disasters. Damage to this extent has never previously been experienced in our area, with massive claims lodged for assistance totalling over $11M. Before this the largest natural disaster claim in the Warrumbungle LGA was for around $700,000,” said Cr Doolan.
“The process to rehabilitate the road network is a very slow one. Applying for funding is in itself a long and complicated process that requires a significant amount of effort. On top of the strict requirements of Federal and State Governments for natural disaster funding assistance, staff were hindered by ongoing wet weather and delays in receiving supplies for an extended time,” explained Cr Doolan.
“The program of road rehabilitation is expected to take around two years to complete. I urge the community to continue to be patient with the process and take care on the roads, not only in the Warrumbungle LGA but across the state,” concluded Cr Doolan.
