The Singleton Local Government Area has received $7 million in funding from the Federal and NSW Governments to help improve the resilience of Kilfoyles Bridge and Stanhope Road ahead of future flood events.
“We are working with the Minns Government and regional councils to ensure communities have resilient infrastructure they can rely on every day, but particularly in times of crisis,” said Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Jenny McAllister.
“Upgraded roads and bridges will help residents stay connected during flooding and improve access to emergency services.”
The funds, provided through the Regional Roads Transport Recovery Package, will go towards:
- Raising Stanhope Road at Elderslie; and
- The betterment of Kilfoyles Bridge and approaches on Luskintyre Road with a two-lane concrete structure.
Work to raise the road level along a one kilometer section of Stanhope Road is already underway and will involve major culvert upgrades to better manage drainage and improve access to the route during future rainfalls.
“I’m very pleased to have State and Federal Governments working together to improve access in times of flooding for Singleton rural communities,” said Singleton Council Mayor, Sue Moore.
The funding also covers raising Kilfoyles Bridge and approaches on Luskintyre Road by at least 2.2 metres, and upgrading the bridge to a two-lane concrete structure with a higher bridge deck and scour protection. This work is expected to start in November 2024.
“Stanhope Road and Kilfoyles Bridge form an important transport route for the community and agricultural businesses but in times of flooding, they become inundated and unpassable for days at a time,” said Singleton Council General Manager, Justin Fitzpatrick-Barr.
“By upgrading and raising the level of this road and bridge, we’ll keep our community connected during future flooding disasters.
“We’re extremely grateful to the Australian and NSW governments for their support to deliver these integral infrastructure projects for Singleton.”
The upgrades are jointly funded through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).