Byron Shire Council has added another 8km of road reseals to its list of over 30km completed projects across the Shire as it forges ahead with delivery of a smooth new network under the NSW Government’s $25 million Roads and Infrastructure Election Commitment funding.
“The benefits of this funding and what we’ve been able to achieve with it have been snowballing over the last few months,” Council’s Director Infrastructure Services, Phil Holloway, said.
“We’re resealing these roads in a better way, in faster time and with an improved lifespan of 15 years, reducing future pot hole patching and saving hundreds of thousands of ratepayer dollars that would have been spent on short-term fixes and maintenance in the past,” he said.
“This funding has given us a fantastic opportunity to get ahead of the curve, allowing us to invest in our road assets now so that we can reap the benefits and savings for decades to come,” he said.
Most recently, Council has completed asphalt upgrades on roads in Ocean Shores including high use sections of Orana Drive, Rajah Road, Balemo Drive, Warrambool St and Yengarie Road.
A major road reseal in Mullumbimbi Street Brunswick Heads was also completed in less than 24 hours, provide a smooth new road connecting to the upgraded timber Brunswick Heads bridge.
5kms of Pearce Road and Booyong Road at Booyong, which were both in extremely poor condition, have now been fully upgraded.
“These works complement the Booyong Road Bridge and James Bridge replacements undertaken in 2018/19. This is an important agricultural link which no longer has load limits on its bridges and provides better heavy vehicle access along Booyong Road, which is a great win!” Mr Holloway said.
Council has also begun upgrading a severely degraded 3.3km stretch on Binna Burra Road – delivering long-awaited upgrades for local residents.
“These roads were in terrible condition and I think everyone who uses them now will be amazed at the transformation,” Mr Holloway said.
In total, $3.5M of the funding has been spent and Council has delivered 9 roads in Byron Bay and Ewingsdale, 3 in Suffolk Park, 11 in Brunswick Heads, 3 in Federal, 5 in Ocean Shores, a major reseal of Pearce Road, Booyong and Binna Burra Road, as well as upgrades for Kolora Way, South Golden Beach and Federal Drive, Goonengerry.
The focus for the next four months will be completion of Bangalow Road upgrades to complement the opening of the Byron Creek Bridge.
Nationals Member of the Legislative Council Ben Franklin said he was delighted with the roll out of the new and updates roads.
“I am so thrilled that the announcement I made two years ago is coming to fruition in our community,” Mr Franklin said.
“The results are great and the community feedback has been overwhelming. The face of our shire is changing almost daily thanks to the efficiency of Council’s hard work.”
