Earlier this week, Thursday, May 31, the government announced a joint $100 million funding package to fix roads in the MidCoast Council region.

The announcement was made by premier Gladys Berejiklian who, along with her State cabinet colleagues, was in Forster for a community cabinet meeting.

She was joined during the announcment by deputy premier and Minister for Regional NSW, John Barilaro, Minister for Roads and Freight, Melinda Pavey and Member for Myall Lakes, Stephen Bromhead.

MidCoast Council would match the government’s $50 million contribution which would be spent on 25 separate projects across more than 70 kilometres of local roads including The Lakes Way, Wingham Roads, Gloucester Road, The Bucketts Way, Thunderbolt’s Way and Old Bar Road.

Work also would include the reconstruction of existing roads, re-sealing and the rebuilding of bridges.

Mayor, David West said funding of this magnitude did not come about without genuine goodwill and co-operation.

“It is a truly significant moment for the MidCoast community,” Cr West said.

“This injection of funds will take us a long way to address a generational backlog of roadworks which could not have been achieved without the generosity of the State government and the foresight of MidCoast Council to successfully raise funds through a special rate variation which was supported by the local community.

“No-one likes special rate variations but to have local funds match with State government funding has provided an opportunity for council to implement a major road repair program over a four year period, which will see the standard of the road network vastly improved.

“Council knows that improving the standard of roads across the area is the number one priority of our community which is why we have worked strategically and co-operatively with the State government to deliver this fantastic result.

“I am delighted that our constructive and positive approach has delivered a successful outcome for the local community.”