Federal funding for Summervilles Road improvements

THE Federal Government has announced an investment of $3.8 million for improvements to Summervilles Road.

The importance of the road as a second route between Bellingen and Dorrigo has been brought into sharp focus in recent weeks, after a January landslip closed Waterfall Way in both directions.

The federal funding will be delivered via the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program (SLRIP) as part of a $4.9 million project in partnership with Bellingen Shire Council.

The existing timber Summervilles Creek and Summervilles bridges will be replaced with reinforced concrete structures, while three kilometres of the existing six-metre-wide unsealed road will be rehabilitated and sealed with bitumen.

“We know that the Bellingen community needs help at the moment as it faces increased pressure on transport infrastructure due to climate change and extreme weather events,” said Minister for Regional Development Kristy McBain.

“Locals have called for funding for the Summervilles bridges, and the Albanese Government is delivering as part of our commitment to investing in the roads northern NSW needs and deserves.

“Our government is delivering the funding local governments need to ensure safer roads, allowing more money to be spent on vital local infrastructure and less on administrative costs.”

Bellingen Shire Mayor Steve Allan said the bridges form a “vital link” for the local community.

“This funding ensures we can get on with the job of delivering these replacement works,” Cr Allan said.

“We thank the Australian Government and Minister Kristy McBain for recognising the urgent need for this project.”

Cowper MP Pat Conaghan thanked Minister Bain for her “bipartisan support”, but noted there was more to be done.

“While this is an extremely welcome first step, there is a long way to go when it comes to solving the continued isolation caused by closures on Waterfall Way, particularly considering the immediate need.”

Highlighting the local impact of the Waterfall Way closure, Mr Conaghan gave the example of students from Chrysalis Steiner School in Thora, who have been doing lessons in the Coffs Library.

“While that may sound like a fun excursion, this trip is now a daily reality for students forced to travel to Coffs and surrounding areas for their education as a result of the Waterfall Way closure,” he said.

“In some instances, this is adding close to three hours travel each way, every day.

“The pressure that is putting on the students and their families is enormous.

“Not to mention the dairy farmers who are unable to get produce to sale and are currently forced to take extreme action, dumping thousands of litres of milk a day down the drain.”