$4.4 Million to Improve Local Roads in Dungog

BY ISABEL EVERETT

The State Government has announced $4.4 million to improve local roads in the Dungog Shire, as part of the $500 million Fixing Local Roads Program. 

$1,650,00 will be designated to the rehabilitation of Paterson River Road, $1,275,000 for the rehabilitation of Salisbury Road and $1,567,500 for the rehabilitation of Summer Hill Road. 

Upper Hunter MP, Michael Johnsen, says the funding for shovel-ready projects will drive jobs in regional NSW.

“This is about delivering small projects that can make a big difference for local communities – projects that will drive valuable jobs in our region over the next 12 months as councils get cracking on delivery,” Mr Johnsen said.

 "In Dungog it will mean smoother, safer trips along the roads our community use every day – roads like Paterson River Road and Salisbury Road. This the program will deliver $4,492,500 for three projects across Dungog Shire, greatly assisting our local Dungog economy."

“Projects will need to be delivered within two years of receiving funding, to ensure that local communities are benefiting sooner,” Mr Johnsen concluded.

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the NSW Government was accelerating its funding for the program to get more projects to seal, maintain and repair local roads under way faster.

“We’re not just putting our foot down in terms of delivering this package – we’re turbocharging it to ensure we create jobs and create better journeys on the roads that really matter to local communities,” Mr Toole said.

Dungog Mayor, John Connors with Upper Hunter MP, Michael Johnsen,
 for the Fixing Country Roads Announcement

Dungog Bridges To Be Replaced

BY IAN CROUCH

Dungog Council has been successful in securing federal funding to replace two old timber bridges in the shire.

$1.4 million is going towards the replacement of the Tillegra Bridge over the Williams River and the Summerhill bridge just north of Vacy under the Bridges Renewal Program which contributes half the cost of the $2.8 million dollar projects.

The state government has committed the other half of the funding.

The federal Bridges Renewal Program funds up to 50 percent of the replacement cost of old timber bridges considered dangerous to road users. Bridges are typically replaces with steel and concrete structures which can accommodate larger and heavier vehicles, providing improved access and safety to local communities.

The Tillegra Bridge is one of two bridges in Dungog set to be replaced

Dungog Residents Up In Arms Over Closure Of Local Caravan Park

BY IAN CROUCH

Dungog residents are worried about the impact on tourism from the closure of a local caravan park.

Council decided to shut down the Williams River Park at Clarence Town last week due to safety and compliance issues.

A meeting of stakeholders is being held this week to discuss the park's closure.

Around a hundred residents gathered for a protest meeting yesterday, describing the move a knee-jerk reaction.

The decision to close the caravan park comes despite $93,000 in state funding being provided to fix the problems.

Residents At Yesterday's Protest Meeting Picture: NBN News