Revealed: The Byron Shire roads that will get a major makeover

A senior council staffer has said the works, made possible with almost $3 million in state funding, would be a “terrific win” for the northern parts of the shire.

Byron mayor Simon Richardson at the announcement of millions of dollars of funding for roads in Ocean Shores and surrounds and old timber bridges. The announcement, at Ocean Shores Country Club on Friday, April 30, 2021, was Cr Richardson's final official duty as mayor. Picture: Liana Boss

Almost 30 roads in Ocean Shores and surrounds will share in more than $3 million in funding from the state government.

On behalf of the state, MLC Ben Franklin announced $3.17 million for a range of road projects on Friday.

In Ocean Shores, 29 roads will be upgraded along with one each in New Brighton and South Golden Beach.

The roads being upgraded are:

• In Ocean Shores: Aldinga Court, Binya Place, Bobra Glen, Boondoon Crescent, Ceron Court, Colli Close, Coonawarra Court, Dandaloo Way, Gahwang Court, Gara Court, Gibingbell Close, Inderwong Avenue, Kanandah Court, Kiah Close, Kiyung Court, Miram Place, Murumba Close, Namoi Glen, Narrogal Court, Nelshaby Court, Reka Way, Tathra Glen, Tindarra Avenue, Tongarra Drive, Walgoon Way, Warrambool Road, Wattar Court and Yungarup Place.
• In New Brighton: The Esplanade
• In South Golden Beach: Redgate Road

Millions of dollars of NSW Government funding has been announced for Ocean Shores and surroungs. Picture: Liana Boss

The funding has fallen under the New South Wales Government’s Fixing Local Roads program and works will involve kerb repairs, heavy patching, asphalt resurfacing, and line-marking.

Mr Franklin said the upgrades would be important for the community.

“Better roads mean safer trips to school, to work and to the shops and the NSW Government is committed to helping councils to create and support jobs, drive productivity and keep our regional communities connected,” he said.

“This funding is fantastic news and builds on the significant work that council has already undertaken to update roads across the shire with the support of $25 million that I delivered as an election commitment that I made to the community.”

Byron Shire Council’s director of infrastructure services Phil Holloway said the works would be transformative for these northern suburbs.

Nationals MLC Ben Franklin and outgoing Byron mayor Simon Richardson at Ocean Shores Country Club on Friday, April 30, 2021. Picture: Liana Boss

“Many people would have seen the great work council has done on main arterial roads in Byron Bay, Brunswick Heads and on several heavily-used roads in Ocean Shores including parts of Rajah Road and Orana Road over the last 12 months thanks to the $25 million Election Commitment Grant funding,” Mr Holloway said.

“The Fixing Local Roads funding gives us the opportunity to focus on the failing local streets that we have not been able to prioritise for improvement in the past.

“This is a terrific win for Ocean Shores and the first of many steps towards improving the entire network and attracting further funding for New Brighton and South Golden Beach in the future.”

The works are expected to begin in Ocean Shores in the middle of this year and the council is aiming to have them completed by the end of the year., weather-permitting.