Funding green light for repair of flood damage on Johnsons Road
Published on 01 August 2024
Great news for people who use Johnsons Road at Huonbrook, with Council receiving approval for the repair of two causeways and two culverts that were damaged in the 2022 floods.
The causeway near the end of the road will be reconstructed and the other causeway will be repaired with $448,205 in joint funding provided by the Australian and NSW Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
The funding also covers minor repairs to two culverts to remove debris and rebuild sections where the creek bank has eroded.
Federal Member for Richmond, Justine Elliot said the funding from the Australian and NSW Governments will enable Byron Shire Council to kick-start the works.
“Through joint funding from the Albanese and Minns Governments, we are supporting a range of recovery efforts from the 2022 floods, including the infrastructure repairs on Johnsons Road which will help locals with greater access.”
“All levels of government remain committed to tackling the challenge of addressing widespread damage to road networks impacted.”
NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said the NSW Labor Government was proud to be supporting Byron Shire Council with faster access to funding to repair more roads like Johnsons Road.
“Across the state we are increasing our investments and assistance to councils so they can conduct repairs faster, improve safety and keep communities connected,” Minister Aitchison said.
“Together with the Albanese Labor Government and local councils, the NSW Government is steadily clearing the natural disaster damage repair backlog and improving road access for communities across Northern NSW and the whole of regional NSW.”
Byron Shire Mayor, Michael Lyon, said approval of this funding application is terrific news for Johnsons Road residents and people who use the road to access their properties.
“Johnsons Road is a narrow gravel road in a remote part of the hinterland at Huonbrook and the rebuild and repairs of these causeways and culverts are vitally important to ensure residents have access to and from their properties,” Mayor Lyon said.
“I am really pleased to see a steady flow of approvals for the repair of flood-damaged infrastructure, across the Shire coming through,” he said.
The repair of the causeways and culverts, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments through the DRFA is facilitated by Transport for NSW and the NSW Reconstruction Authority.
The repair work will be done in the 2024/25 financial year.
Council is working with funding bodies to secure funding for other work to happen on Johnsons Road, including repair of landslips and road pavement.