‘Build back better’: Shoalhaven Council to land more than $3 million for urgent road repairs

Shoalhaven Council’s dilapidated roads which were severely affected in last year's record rains are set to benefit from a multimillion-dollar band aid.

Potholes have become commonplace on Shoalhaven roads in the wake of 2022’s big wet.

South Coast drivers who have suffered from subpar roads in the wake of last year's big wet can be hopeful for smoother times ahead after the NSW Government announced a $500m cash injection targeting flood-damaged roads.

Kiama MP Gareth Ward welcomed the announcement, however, the outspoken former Government Minister warned councils not to drag their feet in using the funding while urging them to “build back better” rather than just repair.

Mr Ward was also able to reveal to NewsLocal how much each of the three LGAs in his electorate will receive, with the heavily-affected Shoalhaven in line for more than $3 million.

Further north, Kiama will be divvied about $460,000 and Shellharbour is set to pick up more than $800,000.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said repairing the state’s roads was a “huge job”. Picture: Damian Shaw

Gareth Ward in Kangaroo Valley, one of the Shoalhaven towns most affected by rain-induced road damage. Picture: Tim Hunter.

“I am ecstatic about this funding and I commend the state for investing in our region” Mr Ward said.

“But I also want to see this money get out the door as quickly as possible and not see councils dragging their feet.

“A lot of work needs to be done. Some councils like the Shoalhaven have seen years of poor leadership and poor maintenance, it's not just something that’s happened in the last few months.

“Councils also need to look at not just building back how they were before, but building roads back better. There will always be wet weather, so we need to future-proof roads which will cost more in the first instance, but a lot less over time.”

Mr Ward also called on Shellharbour Council to look to its western ward when implementing this funding, with Ward A the most affected by last year’s flooding.

Pothole warning signs a regular sight on Shoalhaven roads.

“The former council spent a lot on the eastern side of Shellharbour to the detriment of the west,” he said.

The Eurobodalla and Bega Valley Shire further south have also been calling out for support to fix dilapidated roads.

Bega MP Dr Michael Holland said the cash splash was much needed, but the Labor member called on the government to be more transparent about regional roads.

“We of course welcome any investment into fixing our local roads, however, this appears to be another classic re-announcement from the Liberal National Government,” Dr Holland told NewsLocal.

Bega MP Dr Michael Holland said more was needed. Picture: Nathan Schmidt

“This should never have been left to councils to fix in the first place.

“One of the Government’s key election promises in 2019 was to transfer 15,000km of local regional roads to the state before the last election. Not one has been reclassified as of yet.

“[Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway] has had the Regional Road Transfer and NSW Road Classification Review report sitting on his desk since November 8 last year and has refused to release it.”

Funding under the $500m Regional and Local Roads Repair Program is available to local government areas in both Greater Sydney and Regional NSW.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said funding would help councils overcome the damage caused by 2022’s record rainfall.

“This funding boost will help councils continue the huge job of bringing roads back up to scratch to keep our state moving,” Mr Perrottet said.

“We are making sure our roads are in the best nick possible so NSW families, truckies, farmers and tradies can travel around our state safely.

“We recognise potholes are a major hazard right now. This critical funding injection will help every council across the state patch up potholes as well as carry out other emergency repair work.”

Repair work must be carried out by the end of 2023.