The state of Inverell Shire’s unsealed roads, the quality of road materials, and growing freight and traffic demand are among the priorities in a new plan setting out how the shire’s road network will be maintained, renewed, and funded over the next decade.
Inverell Shire Council has adopted its Road Asset Management Plan 2026–2037, after 118 submissions were received during public consultation.
The draft plan was on exhibition alongside council’s Transport Study from Thursday, 11 June to Monday, 7 September. The consultation period was extended to 12 weeks to give residents, road users, and stakeholders more time to review the document and have their say.
Most submissions related to specific roads, intersections, maintenance issues, safety matters, or requests for infrastructure upgrades. These will be considered through council’s Transport Study, operational investigations, and the process council uses to decide which works go first.
The feedback backed up priorities already identified in the plan. As well as the performance of unsealed roads, material quality, and changing freight and traffic demand, these include safety and accessibility, critical access, and setting priorities based on risk in an open and transparent way.
The adopted plan takes an evidence-based approach to managing council’s road assets. It brings together the condition of roads, service levels, how roads are managed over their lifetime, renewal needs, risks, and long-term funding implications.
It aims to support safe, sustainable, and financially responsible decisions across the road network.
Council has thanked everyone who took the time to review the draft plan. The submissions will continue to shape transport planning, operational investigations, and future decisions on capital works.
Like what you’re reading? Support New England Times by making a small contribution today and help us keep delivering local news paywall-free. Donate now