Forestry Corporation’s major program of works repairing flood-damaged roads, bridges and culverts has reached a significant milestone with the 100th construction project recently completed.
Forestry Corporation maintains a statewide network of 60,000-kilometres of roads and trails.
More than half of the state forest road network is located within areas that were impacted by flooding last year, as extreme weather events damaged between 10,000 and 15,000-kilometres of forest roads.
In response, the NSW Government provided $60 million in funding, spread over three years from 2022, to complete necessary repair works and ensure the community continues to have access to State forests for the wide-range of uses.
Under the Forest Infrastructure and Repair Program (FIRP), Forestry Corporation has worked to plan and complete a long list of projects in state forests.
Forestry Corporation’s Project Supervisor – Forest Infrastructure Peter Walsh said more than 100 projects have now been completed under FIRP and a further 130 projects are currently in a planning or implementation stage across New South Wales.
Mr Walsh said the massive schedule of works had brought significant benefits to regional economies while restoring road access for visitors to state forests.
“To date, 15 major bridges have been replaced, four major landslips have been repaired, more than 1000 kilometres of roads have been upgraded, 12 quarries have been expanded and 85 crossings repaired,” Mr Walsh said.
“Restoring and improving vehicle access to the forest estate has been a major focus for Forestry Corporation over the past year with these major works creating employment and adding significantly to regional economies.
“A considered approach has been taken to the planning and construction of road, bridge and causeway repairs ahead of the bushfire season to ensure our forestry firefighters have improved access to fire trails and roads that were compromised by flooding.”
Key projects on the North Coast, earmarked for completion this December include two causeways in Barcoongere State Forest and the Slaters Road culvert crossing in Wedding Bells State Forest near Coffs Harbour.
On the Mid North Coast, the Blackbutt Road Bridge in the Bulls Ground State Forest near Wauchope is close to completion.
In the Hunter, two bridges on Frying Pan Road in the Chichester State Forest near Gloucester are currently being completed.
On the South Coast, the Clyde Ridge Road at Native Dog Creek in the Flat Rock State Forest near Bateman’s Bay is close to being finalised along with three bridges in Nadgee State Forest near Eden, including two bridges on Mountain Road and another bridge on Ireland Timms Road.
