The proposal includes funding for a large schedule of footpath, kerb and gutter renewals, reseal programs, new footpaths and road heavy patching works as well as urban and rural road rehabilitations and reconstructions. 

All up, it is a $10 million infrastructure program for roads, drainage and footpaths.

Key projects include the rehabilitation of failed sections of Hebden, Bureen and Wybong roads as well as a reconstruction of part of Thomas Mitchell Drive.

Council will also install traffic signals at the intersection of Thompson Street and the New England Highway and undertake the construction of a connection and bridge between Wilder Street and Wilkinson Avenue in Muswellbrook.

Budget allocations include $159,000 for footpath renewals and new footpaths for Roger Street and Carl Street, too.

Council will also modify, to the current disability access standards, a number of kerb ramps. 

The Kerb and Gutter Renewal Program has been allocated $128,125 while the Resealing Program for both the urban and rural road network will be funded with $706,700.

Traffic safety is a critical consideration of determining the projects to be funded in council’s works program. 

And, $152,306 is allotted for the installation of guard rails on the local road network, while heavy road patching works have been allocated $389,525.

A further grant of $92,000 from Roads and Maritime Services under a Regional Roads REPAIR program will be used to rehabilitate a section of the Bylong Valley Way.

While the community may experience minor, short term inconvenience during the construction phase of the program of Capital Works Program projects, the end results will provide improved assets, amenity, access and community safety. 

The shire’s communities consistently rate local infrastructure as among the highest priorities.  

Council is committed to meeting those needs and delivering high-quality infrastructure across the shire on time and on budget.