Uralla Shire Mayor Mick Pearce said the funding was “fantastic news” for both the residents of Bundarra and travellers alike to continue to make the region’s roads as safe as possible.

The funding will enable the council to continue its works program widening and upgrading the road surface to the north of Bundarra. The council completed works north of the town last year, but the next stretch is narrow and badly cracked on the edges, making it dangerous with increased heavy vehicle traffic on the road.

Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall said the funding was part of the government’s commitment to supporting local councils struggling with the drought.

“Uralla Shire can now upgrade the next 1.5 kilometres of road, widening the shoulders and resurfacing and stabilising the existing road pavement.”

Mr Marshall said the funding was most welcome as the downturn in the local economy is resulting in councils having to stretch their budgets further to keep up with commitments and the Government is doing its part to try and reduce that strain.

The grant comes from the NSW Drought Relief Heavy Vehicle Access Program and eligible councils are able to apply for up to $300,000 to help with road maintenance and improvements to accommodate increased freight movements caused by the drought.

“I’m thrilled that Uralla Shire has secured the maximum amount available under the program for a vitally important road in our region,” Mr Marshall said.

“We’d like to give a big thanks to Adam Marshall and the state government for supporting our little shire,” Cr Pearce said.

“This allows us to bring forward this project that we would have likely stayed on the back burner for a few more years.”

The Drought Relief Heavy Vehicle Access Program was announced on October 21 last year and submissions will be assessed on a regular basis until the total $15 million pool of funds is exhausted.