Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content
MENU
Skip Navigation LinksHome Legislative Council House Business Papers

Question and Answer Tracking Details

3458 - Roads - CLOSURE OF WOLGAN VALLEY ROAD

Ruddick, John to the Special Minister of State, Minister for Transport, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy representing the Minister for Roads, and Minister for Regional Transport
CLOSURE OF WOLGAN VALLEY ROAD

(1) The closure of Wolgan Valley Road following extreme rainfall in late 2022 has severely impacted the Wolgan Valley and Lithgow community. The Emirates One&Only Resort in Wolgan Valley is closed and formerly employed about 50 Lithgow locals who have had to find alternate employment. Other tourist operators in the Valley are similarly impacted and have had to close their doors or adjust to reduced business. Tourist access to the area is now limited with no public access to the valley. The timeframe for a new road to be opened has been delayed to early 2031. What is the current State Government expenditure on Wolgan Valley Road since its closure in November 2022?

(2) What is the anticipated cost of the new road proposed by Lithgow Council?

(3) We understand issues have been raised with the slope risk analysis used to justify the original closure and the proposed new road, and that a recent review of the slope risk analysis found severe deficiencies with the report and methodology used. Given the report is the reason for the closure, will the government be seeking recompense from the consultants responsible?

(a) Will the government be offering compensation to affected businesses and property holders for a closure that could have been avoided?

(4) Consultants have put the cost to remediate hazards on the old road to a marginal tolerable risk level at about $50 million. Why was this approach not further explored, given the huge costs involved in constructing a new road which would still be subject to substantial geotechnical risk?

(5) Wiseman's Ferry Road suffered similar landslides to Wolgan Valley Road following flooding in 2022. The road has similar geotechnical issues to Wolgan Valley Road but has remained open to public traffic through the period of construction and repair. The total cost of repairs along Wiseman's Ferry Road are running towards $50 million, including $18 million for reconstruction of the historic Thomas James Bridge. The works are expected to be completed in 2026. Why was this approach not used for the Wolgan Valley Road?

(6) Has the proposed $500 million plus expenditure proposed for the new Wolgan Valley Road been properly justified, especially since a review of the risk analysis used to close the road has been shown to be flawed?
Answer -

I am advised:

(1) This is a matter for the Minister for Recovery.

(2) Transport for NSW is supporting Lithgow City Council to develop and finalise the scope for reinstating access to the Wolgan Valley. This project, being the result of a Natural Disaster, will be funded by the Australian and NSW governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

The Estimated Reconstruction Cost to reinstate access will be finalised by 30 June 2025.

(3) Lithgow City Council has commissioned an independent review of the geotechnical risk assessment that informed the decision to close Wolgan Road. This technical review and assurance process is being undertaken to ensure the assumptions and methodologies applied in the initial report are still appropriate, in consideration of data, environmental conditions and slope performance since the 2022 event. Transport for NSW will continue to work with Lithgow City Council to provide technical support, and to ensure all feasible access solutions are considered.

(a) This is a matter for the Minister for Recovery.

(4) Reinstating access to Wolgan Valley is a priority for Lithgow City Council and the NSW Government. As technical investigations and project development continues, Transport for NSW, the NSW Reconstruction Authority, and Lithgow City Council will ensure all solutions for temporary and permanent access are considered.

(5) All reconstruction projects under the DRFA are considered on their individual merits, risks and other circumstances.

(6) I refer to the response to question (2). Additionally, under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, an Independent Technical Review will be undertaken on the approved project scope and estimate. This Independent Technical Review will be provided to Transport for NSW, the NSW Reconstruction Authority and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for endorsement.

Question asked on 20 March 2025 (session 58-1) and published in Questions & Answers Paper No. 460
Answer received on 10 April 2025 and published in Questions & Answers Paper No. 475

The Parliament of New South Wales acknowledges and respects the traditional lands of all Aboriginal people, and pays respects to all Elders past and present. We acknowledge the Gadigal people as the traditional custodians of the land on which the Parliament of New South Wales stands.