Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said Forbes and Parkes Shire Councils would share in more than $5.7 million in road funding to help tackle the increasing amount of work required to provide safe roads for their communities.

"Currajong Street in Parkes will be rehabilitated with $3.3 million from the NSW and Federal Governments," he said.

"Forbes Shire Council will receive $2,382,564 in joint funding to improve the Yarrabandai Road, which I know was affected by the recent heavy rainfall.

"We know improved roads are crucial to regional communities - the 16 successful road projects across the Riverina and Central West receiving $20,084,287 in funding from the NSW and Federal Governments, will play a big role in helping residents and businesses recover from the effects of bushfires, drought, floods and the COVID-19 pandemic."

NSW Upper House MP, Sam Farraway said that it was great to be able to work with the Federal Government to deliver these vital upgrades to local roads.

"NSW has a road network of more than 180,000 kilometres in length, and nearly 80 per cent is classified as local roads, so it is a real challenge for councils to effectively manage and maintain their road assets," Mr Farraway said.

"This program won't just ease the burden of maintenance for local councils, but it will deliver safer, more reliable journeys for all local road users."

State Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the $191 million Australian Government funding commitment in June last year was on top of the $500 million from the NSW Government, building upon the vision for a safer, stronger regional NSW.

"We're injecting even more funding into the roads in the bush that communities depend on, which means a safer and smoother journey for everyone," Mr Toole said.

Round 1 of the Fixing Local Roads Program saw $243.6 million of joint funding allocated to 253 projects in 83 Local Government Areas, and Round 2 will see $150 million allocated to more than 100 road projects in 90 Local Government Areas.

All successful projects will be completed within two years to ensure local communities see the benefits as quickly as possible.

Applications for Round 2 of the program were open from 2 November until 11 December 2020.

Guidelines and a factsheet for Round 2 of Fixing Local Roads can be found here for the Fixing Local Roads Program.

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