The Tamworth electorate is reaping the rewards of the NSW Nationals $500 million Regional and Local Roads Repair Program with just under $11 million allocated to the Tamworth, Gunnedah, and Liverpool Plains councils.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said locals had been extremely patient with the damage ongoing rain events caused the local road network and this funding gives councils the resources they need to fix the region’s roads.

“Our councils maintain a total of more than 6,000 kilometres of roads which is a lot to look after when you consider the damage ongoing rain events caused the network last year,” Mr Anderson said.

“These are the roads we use every day and we’ve heard loud and clear from residents who have been swerving potholes for some time.

“Council crews have been working around the clock to fix the roads in the face of difficult circumstances, but road repairs cost money which is why the NSW Nationals are stepping in to provide financial support.

“This funding is on top of the $50 million Fixing Local Roads Pothole Repair Round, as well as the $5.5 million in emergency funding announced just a couple of weeks ago.

“This funding gives our crews the funding they need to get on with the job of fixing local roads.”

Councils in the Tamworth electorate will receive:

• Tamworth Regional Council: $5,901,065
• Gunnedah Shire Council: $2,679,377
• Liverpool Plains Shire Council: $2,409,643

Nationals Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the injection of funds means councils can plan and undertake work now to restore roads and help protect against reoccurring problems

“After we announced our initial $50 million injection to help fix potholes across regional NSW in November a number of councils sat down with me and asked for additional help and funding,” Mr Farraway said.

“We listened and managed to secure an additional $280 million for regional councils. We also provided cash advances for emergency disaster funding to eligible councils and have diverted Transport for NSW road crews to help fix local roads.

“Since 2019, we have invested $1.8 billion into fixing the local roads you use to make your daily life easier.

“I encourage councils to get the deeds signed quickly so that funding for your local and regional roads gets to you sooner for essential repairs to get underway.”