Safety upgrades to a key access road for the Cadia mine for large trucks will be carried out following a funding announcement on Thursday.
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The state government has committed $410,000 under the Resources for Regions program for work on Four Mile Creek Road which runs just west of the Cadia mine.
Cabonne Shire Council will match the funding.
Parliamentary Secretary for Western NSW Rick Colless said it was important infrastructure for the region.
“This much-needed funding will really improve road safety along this key arterial road for the local community, making it an even better place to live and work,” he said.
Mr Colless said 185 vehicles on average used the road each day.
“It’s a connecting road to the site of one of the region’s largest employers, Newcrest/Cadia Valley mine.
“These works will improve the livability of residents in the Orange region by enhancing vital infrastructure through widening shoulders on a 6.5 kilometre stretch of narrow road and installing guard rail sections.”
He said the work would create jobs in the region.
Cabonne Council general manager Stephen Harding said the road was used by B-double trucks.
“We’re pleased to see the money given to the improvement of safety in the area,” he said.
Mr Harding said the work represented the second stage of upgrades to the road.
The first stage, costing about $1 million, involved upgrading the Cadia Road and Four Mile Creek Road intersection.
Mr Harding said he expected council would be seeking further funding from the Resources for Regions program in the next round.
Applications for a share of $50 million in round six of the fund opened on June 12.
Deputy Premier and Regional NSW minister John Barilaro said the funding assisting mining communities.
“Mining contributes greatly to the NSW economy, supporting more than 100,000 jobs right across the state, but the benefits can place extra pressure on community resources, including wear and tear on community facilities and roads,” he said.
He said about $268 million had been provided to 54 projects since the program started in 2012.