Thirteen-million dollars has been issued to flood ravaged communities devastated by floodwater across the central west, with more expected in the future, according to Minister for Roads Duncan Gay. 

“I recognise this special grant is only the initial funding Councils will require. Councils can access Disaster Assistance funding for short and longer term repairs through the existing NDRRA arrangements,” Mr Gay said.

Yass Valley mayor Rowena Abbey is relieved to get the funding saying that council wouldn’t have been able to pay for the extensive damage. 

“This is very much welcomed funding,” she said. “It’s a relief off our shoulders knowing we have the funding to move forward and start fixing the roads.”

Approximately 400 locations on the Valley’s road network have been identified where significant damage has resulted from the rain events and flooding.

In addition to the road network, water supply and park assets have suffered some damage.

“Within the Yass Dam the mixers have been relocated by the flood flow and needs to be moved back,” Director of Engineering Robert Fish said. 

“The parks and reserves have suffered damage and require cleaning up, but all of this will be covered in the natural disaster funding.” 

Work to ensure roads continue to remain passable is expected to occur in October on Berrebangalo Road, Sykes Road, Laverstock Road and Black Range Road. 

The initial priority has been placed on grading of Tallagandra Lane and Yass River Road, with maintenance grading work already underway at Dog Trap Road, with initial focus being on the section between Isabel Drive and Connells Lane.

Mr Fish says that with Weather permitting, the programme will move to Mulligans Flat Road, Wargeila Road, Spring Range Road, Common Road and Elms Rd.

“Permanent repair work may need to remain on hold until natural disaster funding approval,” he said. “So council doesn’t ultimately wear the full cost of the repairs.”