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Question and Answer Tracking Details

37 - Regional Transport and Roads - PARKES SHIRE COUNCIL ROADS

Farraway, Sam to the Special Minister of State, Minister for Roads, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, and Minister for Jobs and Tourism representing the Minister for Regional Transport and Roads

My question is directed to the acting Minister for Regional Transport and Roads. The Parkes Shire Council is waiting to receive the signed deeds to commence work on the $8 million project for realignment and a new bridge at Graddle Creek, which is on the outskirts of Tullamore in the Parkes shire. It is six months since the funding for that project was approved and 11 months today since a five‑year-old boy tragically died following an accident on the Graddle Creek causeway. When will the signed deed be provided to Parkes Shire Council so it can fix this dangerous road and prevent any further tragedies?
Original Answer -

The Hon. JOHN GRAHAM (Special Minister of State, Minister for Roads, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, and Minister for Jobs and Tourism) (11:49:32): I place on record my thoughts for the family after that tragic accident. As a parent, it is hard to imagine what that would mean. It is reflective of the challenge of road safety right across our regions in New South Wales. There is no question about that. Despite the smaller population in the regions, that is where the majority of our road accidents happen. That is important to bear in mind as we are talking about these issues. The Treasurer has already responded to the budget process, and I support his inquiries into the actions of the former Minister. I look forward to those inquiries continuing. I am pleased that the shadow Minister has responded to the Treasurer's request to give us some specific details about the particular councils that have been affected. Having had those matters brought to the attention of the House, I am happy to take the question on notice. I will return with an answer.
Additional Answer -

I share the thoughts of the Minister for Roads in relation to this tragic accident.

I am advised

Realignment and a new bridge at Graddle Creek, the McGrane Way, is a project funded under Round six of Fixing Country Roads, which was announced on 24 February 2023. Funding deeds between successful Councils and Infrastructure NSW have not yet been executed.

The funding allocation will be provided to Councils on execution of the Infrastructure NSW administered Restart NSW Funding Deed.

Under the guidelines and funding deed agreement, construction must commence within 18 months from receipt of a successful project letter and delivered within 24 months of starting construction.

Question asked on 23 August 2023 (session 58-1)
Answer received on 13 September 2023

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