Roads damaged by landslips across the Blue Mountains Local Government Area are set to be restored following a major investment by the Australian and NSW Governments.
Blue Mountains City Council has received $95 million to undertake remediation works at locations including Mount Wilson, Mount Irvine, Hartley Vale, Megalong Valley, Kanimbla Valley and Glenbrook. The investment is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Blue Mountains City Council is currently managing 101 landslip sites caused by severe weather in recent years, and has already invested more than $20 million in remediation, with more than $90 million in additional works planned as part of its recovery program.
The Mount Wilson Lower Hairpin Project is also a key priority for council, with concept designs underway following approval of more than $8.2 million in funding.
Temporary traffic arrangements remain in place to support public safety while long-term remediation works are developed.
For more information visit: bmcc.nsw.gov.au/major-projects
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:
“Safe and reliable road access is essential for Blue Mountains communities, helping people get to work, school, appointments and essential services with confidence and safety.
“These roads are also vital economic links, supporting local businesses, freight, primary producers and the visitors who help drive the Blue Mountains economy.
“The Albanese and Minns governments are working together to help council restore damaged infrastructure and rebuild the strong, resilient connections the people of the Blue Mountains deserve.”
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin:
“This $95 million funding injection is giving Blue Mountains City Council the financial support it needs to fix complex landslip sites and build back better for the future.
“Fixing these sites is critical because these roads are vital links connecting our local communities to each other, to local schools, healthcare, and everyday services.
“Recovery on this scale takes time, but by all three levels of government working together, we are ensuring Council has the backing to deliver long-term, resilient solutions that local residents can rely on.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman MP:
“This funding demonstrates our practical focus in the face of natural disasters.
“We live in a fragile environment and our ageing-built infrastructure was never designed for the current climate impacts, so I’m proud of the Albanese Government’s commitment to continue to help Council to remediate and build back better.”
Quotes attributable to NSW Member for Blue Mountains Trish Doyle:
“This $95 million funding commitment is a significant investment in the long-term strength and safety of our local road network.
“In a unique environment like the Blue Mountains, keeping towns and villages connected to essential services and to one another is vital for everyday life and our regional economy.
“I’m pleased to see State and Federal support coming together to deliver resilient, durable infrastructure for our community.”
Quotes attributable to Blue Mountains City Council Mayor Mark Greenhill:
“This funding gives council greater certainty to progress some of our highest priority landslip remediation projects and restore important road connections for our communities.
“The Blue Mountains’ steep terrain and severe weather mean landslip repairs are often complex, requiring detailed investigation, specialist engineers and careful planning.
“We thank the Australian Government and NSW Government for their continued support as we work to restore damaged infrastructure, improve road safety and strengthen the resilience of our road network.”
.jpeg)
