The funds, provided through the Regional Roads Transport Recovery Package, will go towards:
- Raising Stanhope Road at Elderslie; and
- The betterment of Kilfoyles Bridge and approaches on Luskintyre Road with a two-lane concrete structure.
Work to raise the road level along a one kilometer section of Stanhope Road is already underway and will involve major culvert upgrades to better manage drainage and improve access to the route during future rainfalls.
The funding also covers raising Kilfoyles Bridge and approaches on Luskintyre Road by at least 2.2 metres, and upgrading the bridge to a two-lane concrete structure with a higher bridge deck and scour protection. This work is expected to start in November 2024.
The improvements will help reduce the likelihood of road and bridge closures during severe weather and reduce costs for ongoing repairs and maintenance.
These upgrades are jointly funded through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister said:
“We are working with the Minns Government and regional councils to ensure communities have resilient infrastructure they can rely on every day, but particularly in times of crisis.”
“Upgraded roads and bridges will help residents stay connected during flooding and improve access to emergency services.
“By raising the road and increasing the capacity of culverts, these projects will also reduce turbulence and help flood water escape quickly.”
Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi MP said:
“We’ve seen over the last few years the devastation that constant rain and flooding has had on our communities and on our vital infrastructure.
“Keeping our roads and bridges open during flood events is vital to stop communities being isolated.
“It’s all about building back better and it’s about the Albanese Labor Government working with the states and the local government so that we can build back better and give people the future they need.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:
“This key investment by the Minns and Albanese Labor Governments will improve Singleton’s resilience to floods.
“Workers, students, tourists, freight operators and other residents will be able to continue to go about their business, get to education and medical appointments with less inconvenience and disruption during disasters.
“This will reduce their reliance on Surf Life Saving and the State Emergency Service (SES), particularly for residents of smaller communities like Lambs Valley and Stanhope.
NSW Labor’s spokesperson for Upper Hunter Emily Suvaal said:
“These flood resilience projects will keep communities better connected during disasters while importantly protecting lives and livelihoods across the Upper Hunter.
“It’s great to see all three levels of government working together to deliver projects that make such a big difference to our regional communities.”
Singleton Council Mayor Sue Moore said:
“I’m very pleased to have State and Federal Governments working together to improve access in times of flooding for Singleton rural communities.”
Singleton Council General Manager Justin Fitzpatrick-Barr said:
“Stanhope Road and Kilfoyles Bridge form an important transport route for the community and agricultural businesses but in times of flooding, they become inundated and unpassable for days at a time.
“By upgrading and raising the level of this road and bridge, we’ll keep our community connected during future flooding disasters.
“We’re extremely grateful to the Australian and NSW governments for their support to deliver these integral infrastructure projects for Singleton.”