Better roads and more jobs for the regions

31 March 2021

Communities across New South Wales will see work start to upgrade priority local roads within months thanks to $150 million in funding from the Australian and NSW Governments.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said Round 2 of the Fixing Local Roads Program would fund more than 100 new road upgrades in 90 local government areas across the State, creating more than 1000 jobs.

"Safe, reliable roads are essential for communities in regional New South Wales - by improving roads, we are making a big difference to people's lives in ensuring they get home sooner and safer," the Deputy Prime Minister said.

"The funding will improve the safety of roads in local communities, including repairing, patching, maintaining and sealing local roads.

"We know improved roads are crucial to regional communities - the more than 100 successful road projects announced today will play a big role in helping residents and businesses recover from the effects of bushfires, drought, floods and the COVID-19 pandemic."

State Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the NSW Government had committed $500 million to help councils repair, maintain and seal priority local roads through Fixing Local Roads with the Australian Government's $191 million contribution ensuring even more regional communities would benefit.

"We're injecting even more funding into the roads in the bush that communities depend on, which means a safer and smoother journey for everyone," Mr Toole said.

"Better maintained roads mean safer trips to school, to work and to the shops - and the NSW Government is committed to helping councils create and support jobs, drive productivity and keep our regional communities connected.

"Big infrastructure projects might create a lot of headlines but these are small projects that make a big difference in people's everyday lives."

Round 1 of the Fixing Local Roads Program saw $243 million of joint funding allocated to 253 projects in 84 Local Government Areas, and Round 2 will see $150 million allocated to 108 road projects in 90 Local Government Areas.

All successful projects will be completed within two years to ensure local communities see the benefits as quickly as possible.

Guidelines and a factsheet for Round 2 of Fixing Local Roads can be found on the Fixing Local Roads Program webpage.