Blue Mountains roads damaged by landslips will be restored under a $95 million state-federal disaster recovery funding deal.
The money is going to the Blue Mountains City Council for remediation work at Mount Wilson, Mount Irvine, Hartley Vale, Megalong Valley, Kanimbla Valley, Glenbrook and other locations.
The NSW Government says council is managing 101 landslip sites and has spent more than $20m on remediation work with more than $90m in other work planned.
The Mount Wilson Lower Hairpin Project has been identified as a priority for council with design work under way after $8.2m was allocated for it.
Temporary traffic arrangements remain in place while long-term remediation works are developed, the government says.
BLUE MOUNTAINS FUNDING RELIEF
Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill says the funding gives them greater certainty in working on their highest priority projects.
“The Blue Mountains’ steep terrain and severe weather mean landslip repairs are often complex, requiring detailed investigation, specialist engineers and careful planning,” he says.
NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin says the $95m funding injection will give the council the money needed to repair the roads.
“Fixing these sites is critical because these roads are vital links connecting our local communities to each other, to local schools, healthcare, and everyday services,” she says.
“Recovery on this scale takes time but by all three levels of government working together, we are ensuring council has the backing to deliver long-term, resilient solutions.”
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain says the restored roads are essential links for the Blue Mountains community.
“These roads are also vital economic links, supporting local businesses, freight, primary producers and the visitors who help drive the Blue Mountains economy.”
Federal MP for Macquarie Susan Templeman says the work has become necessary in the face of climate change.
“This funding demonstrates our practical focus in the face of natural disasters,” she says.
“We live in a fragile environment and our ageing-built infrastructure was never designed for the current climate impacts.”
For more details, visit: bmcc.nsw.gov.au/major-projects
