Tamworth Regional Council says it has delivered on its commitment to spend two-thirds of the rates increase on roads, with $4 million already injected into the 2024–25 roads budget.
“When we asked the community to support the SRV, we made a clear commitment that the majority of the funds would go towards our roads,” said Mayor Russell Webb.
“A year on, we can proudly say we are delivering on that promise.”
Council said the additional funding has allowed for the resealing of 540,000 square metres of roads across the region, with a near even split between rural and urban areas — 52 percent on rural roads and 48 percent on urban streets.
The SRV funds have been fully expended in the 2024–25 financial year, supporting resurfacing and other maintenance works on Duncans Creek Road, Rushes Creek Road, Garthowen Road, Nundle Road, Meldorn Lane, Browns Lane, Calala Lane, Wallamore Road, Rangari Road, Lindsays Gap Road, Lemon Gums Drive, Croydon Avenue, Edward Street (Tamworth), Flinders Street, Gill Street (Nundle), Harrier Parade, Werris Creek Road, Warral Road, Crawney Road and Darrell Road.
Council also undertook 60 kilometres of roadside drainage works to protect road surfaces from water damage and reduce the frequency of future repairs. Sites included the Peel River levee bank, Tulipwood Crescent, Bournes Lane, Goonan Street, and Barnes Gully off Ebsworth Street.
Recent flooding in the region has left some roads further damaged, but Council said the SRV revenue has allowed it to respond quickly to flood repairs while still staying on track with its maintenance schedule.
“Road repairs are an ongoing task but thanks to the Special Rate Variation, more can be done and sooner to keep our roads safer and stronger for everyone who travels them,” Mayor Webb said.
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