Howards Road has been closed since early August because of significant damage caused by heavy rain. With continued bad weather, Temora Council has not been able to set a date for repairs to the road. Photo: Temora Shire Council.
Temora Shire Council says the effects of the heavy rain that has caused havoc with the shire’s road network will continue to be felt for some time.
The council declared natural disasters in the Temora Shire Council Local Government Area due to unprecedented weather events in March and November 2021, and January and August 2022.
The council’s engineering works manager Alex Dahlenburg said each time the shire experienced significant rainfall, the roads took a punishing hit.
“Normally after a significant weather event we undertake emergency response work, but we’ve been unable to deliver the further approved restoration works since the March 2021 event because of continued rainfall and subsequent significant events,” he said.
“As a result, the condition of some of our roads has continued to deteriorate.”
The council is aware that poor road conditions may cause significant issues with harvest vehicles and machinery, especially with harvest soon approaching.
“But due to maintenance being delayed by prolonged wet weather, the council has a considerable backlog of maintenance work needing to be carried out,” Mr Dahlenburg said.
The council said while there may be no immediate solution with two years’ worth of damage, it would prioritise restoration and maintenance work when able.
Mr Dahlenburg said the council faced several challenges in restoring affected roads.
“We’d like to work with the community to achieve the best possible outcome for them during this year’s harvest while maintaining our road network when weather permits,” he said.
“Council takes considerable pride in our road infrastructure and maintaining our roads to a
high standard.”
Temora Mayor Rick Firman shared Mr Dahlenburg’s sentiment.
“Our councillors and staff are doing their very best given that we are continuing to see consistent rainfall affecting our road network,” Cr Firman said.
In July, Cr Firman welcomed the fourth round of funding from the State Government, saying maintaining the road network was one of the council’s most significant expenses.
“Without the support of the State Government, we wouldn’t have the great road network that Temora has always had,” Cr Firman said.
“We’re grateful to Minister Cooke (Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke) and the Government for offering these significant Fixing Country Road grants.”
In the previous round of the Fixing Country Roads program, more than $45 million was allocated to Bland Shire, Coolamon Shire, Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council, Cowra Shire, Hilltops Council, Junee Shire, Narrandera Shire, Temora Shire and Weddin Shire to deliver road projects.
So far, the program has provided $547 million for 498 projects over three rounds. Of these, 203 are now completed, with a further 295 in the planning and construction phases.
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