SENATOR THE HON MURRAY WATT

FEDERAL MINISTER FOR EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

THE HON SAM FARRAWAY MLC

NSW MINISTER FOR REGIONAL TRANSPORT AND ROADS

DAN REPACHOLI MP

FEDERAL MEMBER FOR HUNTER

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

WORK TO REPAIR FLOOD DAMAGED SECTIONS OF PUTTY ROAD IS PROGRESSING

The restoration of Putty Road following flood damage earlier this year is progressing, with teams completing initial repairs and continuing investigations.

The repairs have been funded through the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Teams have started work on repairing bridge and landslip sites and will continue for the next four to six months.

Temporary repair work at the landslip sites included remediation work such as slope stabilising work and new drainage.

Work will be carried out at landslip sites from 7am to 6pm on weekdays and 7am to 3pm Saturdays.

Work will also continue on bridges on Putty Road, which includes removing flood debris, repairing erosion and general maintenance. This work will be carried out from 7am to 6pm on weekdays only.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt:

After a severe weather event like this, unfortunately the impact for communities is long-term.

These repairs play a critical role in helping our flood affected communities return to normal and I’m pleased the State and Commonwealth Governments can work together to make it happen.

Quotes attributable to Regional Transport and Roads Minister Sam Farraway:

The Upper Hunter has seen first-hand the severe impact of flood damage on our roads.

Since February, we have filled in more than 135,000 potholes on state roads across regional NSW and recently opened our $312.5 million joint funded Betterment Program so councils, including those in the Hunter can build their road and transport infrastructure back to better withstand future extreme weather events.

By completing work along Putty Road, we are ensuring safer and smoother journeys for the community and motorists.

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Hunter, Dan Repacholi:

Fixing the will mean it is safer for locals and tourists who use the road to travel to the beautiful Hunter Valley for work and tourism and that is a great outcome for everyone.

While the Putty Road has reopened, traffic control is still in place while investigations and work on other sites damaged by wet weather is carried out.

Motorists are asked to drive to the conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.

Quotes attributable to State Member for the Upper Hunter Dave Layzell:

It is fantastic that work is getting underway on this important thoroughfare because it’s one day closer the community will have their road back.

It has been heartbreaking to see what this year’s flooding events have done to our beautiful region but we’re a strong knit community and we will pull through this.

The new Betterment fund has been an initiative I have pushed for some time, this funding will help our towns repair and better protect our roads and bridges in the future.