Cabonne Council has been allocated nearly $7.5 million in flood recovery funding to make local roads more resilient.
The Federal and NSW governments' jointly funded Regional Transport and Resilience Fund (RTRF) will enable critical infrastructure improvements across the Cabonne region, enhancing community safety, connectivity, and resilience to future natural disasters.
The funding includes:
• $3.78 million for the installation of concrete floodways, table drains, box culverts, pipe culverts, headwalls, and concrete decks at 65 locations throughout the council area; and
• $3.67 million for a package of bridge works, including:
o Raising the bridge deck at Canomodine Lane Bridge, Canowindra.
o Raising the bridge deck at Dean Park, Cudal.
o Culvert upgrades on Edward Street, Molong.
o Replacing the Baghdad Road Bridge, Cargo – the last timber bridge in the Cabonne LGA.
o Raising the bridge deck at the 4th crossing on Ophir Road.
o Work on the Kiewa Street footbridge, Manildra.
Mayor Kevin Beatty said the funding represented a substantial a much-needed investment in Cabonne's future.
It's the local share of $32million for road betterment in Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan shires following the destruction of the 2022 flood events.
"The RTRF program allows us to not only repair but also significantly improve our infrastructure, reducing the costs of future repairs, improving safety, and ensuring stronger connectivity for our communities during and after natural disasters," Cr Beatty said.
Cr Beatty emphasised the importance of collaboration with local communities, which played a key role in identifying priority projects through the Cabonne Recovery Plan.
“By listening to our communities, we have been able to prioritise critical projects such as the Dean Park crossing at Cudal," he said.
"These betterment works will raise the bridge deck, improve emergency access, and ensure greater resilience against future flooding events.”
One of the ongoing challenges in disaster recovery is securing funding for betterment works, which go beyond replacing damaged infrastructure with like-for-like repairs. Cr Beatty acknowledged the support of the Federal and State Governments in addressing this issue.
“Too often, disaster recovery funding only allows for replacement without improvement," he said.
"We are grateful that both levels of government have recognised the importance of betterment funding, enabling us to deliver stronger, more resilient infrastructure that will serve our communities for decades to come.”
The betterment projects include upgrades to causeways on critical roads such as Baghdad Road, Pinecliffe Road, and Banjo Paterson Way, as well as the construction of more resilient concrete structures on Starrlea Road, Belubula Way, and Fish Fossil Drive.
“These improvements are not just about infrastructure; they are about supporting our residents, farmers, and businesses who rely on these roads daily. The benefits will be felt for years to come,” Mayor Beatty said.
Cr Beatty noted that the RTRF program represents a significant step forward in Cabonne’s recovery efforts.
“As a council, we are dedicated to ensuring that this funding delivers tangible outcomes for our residents," he said.
"These projects will provide lasting benefits, strengthening our communities and safeguarding vital infrastructure against future challenges.”
Federal Member for Calare Andrew Gee said local communities continue to recover and rebuild two years on from the devastating floods.
"I am pleased to see that there is almost $8 million for the Cabonne Shire, which will fund badly needed repairs and also include bridge raising," he said.
"This will help us deal with future storm and flood events."
For more information about the RTRF program and project updates, visit Cabonne Council's website or contact our office at (02) 6392 3200.