Our roads: addressing the funding shortfall

At this week’s Ordinary Council meeting, Councillors received a comprehensive report outlining the current status of the Wagga Wagga road network.

At the meeting, held on Monday 21 November 2022, Councillors agreed to undertake a series of workshops to develop strategies providing increased funding for roads maintenance and renewal as well as to address the backlog of works.

Director Infrastructure Services Warren Faulkner said Councillors recognise there is a funding shortfall.

“It’s a state-wide issue, not just in Wagga Wagga,” Mr Faulkner said.

“Councillors will be looking at how we can increase that funding leading into next year’s budget to reduce the maintenance and renewal funding gap.”

At the meeting, Councillors also agreed to call for Expressions of Interest from contractors able to undertake a variety of emergency road repairs. Council will also commence a select tender process for specialised road repair equipment.

Mr Faulkner said the budget planning process will take place over January to February 2023, with Councillors considering the first draft of the budget in February to March 2023 for public exhibition April to May 2023.

“We’re looking at a six-to-12-month timeframe for when any additional funding the Council may allocate becomes available,” Mr Faulkner said.

“We’ve also applied for a number of NSW Government grants, which will be announced in next year’s budget.

“The State Government will announce their pothole repair funding shortly, so we’re hoping to get additional works started before Christmas.

“In the meantime, we’ll keep working as quickly as we can to repair the roads and keep them safe for the travelling public.”