Roads funds for councils

Member for Albury Greg Aplin has announced the third round of Fixing Country Roads is open, with a share of a further $100 million available to councils for upgrades to roads, bridges and truck washes.

Mr Aplin said the first two rounds saw the NSW Government commit more than $5.5 million for nine projects in his electorate, helping local councils tackle freight bottlenecks that are costing local industries and businesses daily.

‘‘We are very happy to confirm that $100 million will be made available to eligible councils for projects they believe will deliver significant benefits to their local communities,’’ he said.

‘‘Funding can go towards truck wash facilities and upgrades to our roads and bridges that will better link them to key freight hubs, like grain silos, saleyards, distribution centres and depots.’’

Mr Aplin encourages councils to submit an application for Fixing Country Roads, but to also consider all the co-funding options available to them and seek the support of local industry.

‘‘By working together on Fixing Country Roads so far, the NSW Government, Australian Government, local councils and industry have turned $155 million into $339 million worth of infrastructure improvements for NSW,’’ Mr Aplin said.

‘‘I recommend councils throughout the electorate consider applying for funding under Federal Government initiatives such as the Bridges Renewal Programme, Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Programme and Building Better Regions Fund.’’

The $100 million round three instalment is part of a $543 million commitment for Fixing Country Roads from Rebuilding NSW, with funding to be progressively made available by the NSW Government.

Applications will be open until September 1, 2017.

The Infrastructure NSW Regional Independent Assessment Panel, which includes representatives from Local Government NSW, Livestock, Bulk and Rural Carriers Association, NSW Farmers Association, and the NRMA will then assess the project applications.

For information on the Fixing Country Roads funding criteria, program guidelines and how to submit an application visit freight.transport.nsw.gov.au.