Inverell Shire Council has endorsed its Causeway Replacement Program for the 2025/2026 financial year, allocating $305,600 to replace four priority concrete slab causeways on rural local roads.
The program targets aged and deteriorating causeway slabs, critical floodway crossings that provide cost-effective access over minor and major waterways. Many of these assets were constructed 50–75 years ago and have reached the end of their serviceable life.
The four priority replacements funded this year include:
- SR54 Emmaville Road – Segment 220 – Iron Bark Creek
- SR58 Rocky Creek Road – Segment 280 – Little Oaky Creek
- SR164 Haywood Road – Segment 80 – Dumboy Creek
- SR230 Rickeys Lane – Segment 30 – Long Flat Creek
Mayor of Inverell Shire Council, Cr Kate Dight said the program reflects careful planning based on asset condition data, customer requests, and field inspections.
“Our rural road network includes over 690 concrete slab causeways, many of which are critical to maintaining safe access during wet weather,” Cr Dight said.
“This funding allows us to replace the highest priority slabs this year and ensures these crossings remain safe and reliable for the community.”
Works are scheduled to commence in December 2025, with completion anticipated by the end of the financial year.
Council staff will be assisted by local concreting contractors to deliver these essential infrastructure upgrades.
The Causeway Replacement Program will continue as part of Council’s recurrent funding allocation for culvert and causeway repairs, ensuring ongoing maintenance of Inverell Shire’s rural road network.
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