NEWS
$1B TO REBUILD NSW INFRASTRUCTURE FOLLOWING BUSHFIRES Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Treasurer Dominic Perrottet have announced $1 billion over the next two years to rebuild bushfire-impacted communities across NSW. The funding will prioritise the repair and rebuilding of vital infrastructure including roads, rail lines, bridges, schools, health facilities and communications facilities. “The bushfire season is far from over but we know how important it is for communities to start the recovery process where possible,” Ms. Berejiklian said. The NSW and Federal Governments also announced $33 million will be immediately distributed to councils across the state which have been severely impacted by bushfires. Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock has guaranteed that the state government will distribute funds to councils within one business day following it clearing the state’s bank account. “We will not delay in distributing these funds to councils most in need,” Ms. Hancock said. Each council will receive $1 million and a further $18 million will be distributed at
Funding will prioritise the repair and rebuild of vital infrastructure.
the discretion of the new National Bushfire Recovery Agency. “This funding is essential and will allow councils to start the reconstruction of local infrastructure, including roads, bridges and community facilities,” Ms. Hancock said. “Councils will also be able to use these funds to employ additional local staff to help coordinate and expedite the building effort.” Ms. Berejiklian said following initial discussions with the Federal Government, it has been confirmed that the Federal Government contribution will focus on
direct payments to individuals, small business and local councils. “The NSW Government’s focus will be to rebuild and where appropriate, improve the infrastructure,” Ms. Berejiklian said. The $1 billion funding will help to ensure recovery work can commence promptly. This announcement is on top of the NSW Government’s disaster assistance funding for this bushfire season of up to $231 million already committed. This includes: • $166 million to fight fires on top of the record 2019-20 RFS Budget • $25 million to facilitate the clean-up of both insured and uninsured homes damaged or destroyed by the fires • $23 million for grants of up to $15,000 for primary producers and small businesses to assist with clean-up and the replacement of infrastructure • $6 million for additional mental health services for individuals, community groups and emergency services personnel • $11 million to fund the Economic Recovery and Community Resilience Grants Program.
CONTRACTOR CLOSE TO COMPLETING $1.02B NORTHLINK WA NorthLink WA’s third and final section from Ellenbrook to Muchea is progressing towards completion. CPB Contractors and Main Roads WA are now completing the finishing components of Western Australia’s biggest-ever road initiative. The final section is set to open in early February 2020. To accomodate works on local roads at the Neaves Road Connection and the construction of the Principal Shared Path, the opening date has been moved from the end of 2019 to the February. CPB Contractors is also working to finalise livestock fencing, traffic barriers and lighting to ensure the new highway is as safe as possible upon opening. The northern and final section includes a dual carriageway between Maralla 6
ROADS FEBRUARY 2020
Road and Muchea, interchanges at Stock Road, Neaves Road and Brand Highway, a deviation at Brand Highway and flyovers at Muchea South Road and the railway at Ellenbrook. Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the delivery of the $1.02 billion NorthLink WA initiative is the result of years of cooperative work. The well-known project is the result of an $820 million contribution from the Federal Government and $204 million from the WA Government. WA Minister for Transport and Planning Rita Saffioti said a massive amount of work has gone into NorthLink WA since it started and many Western Australians will benefit from this new addition to the road network.
Contractors are finalising livestock fencing, traffic barriers and lighting.
