The DRC has proposed ongoing commitments to urban and rural roads in the 2017/2018 draft Operational Plan and Budget, as well as ongoing sealing projects.

A total of $7.2 million has been allocated to rural road capital works in 2017/2018 and $11.2 million for urban roads. 

The DRC’s technical services director Ian Bailey said the Boundary Road project is, in part, funded by the Federal Government – Building Better Regions grant.

“Another proposed major renewal project is the reconstruction of Talbragar Street road pavement between Macquarie and Brisbane streets.”

“The budget provides for the operation and maintenance of 415km of urban streets, including 472km of kerb and gutter and almost 50 hectares of grassed verge and roadside landscaping.

“Council also maintains 2,320km of rural roads, 58% of which are unsealed,” Mr Bailey said.

He said $838,952 will be spent on the Swift Street Redevelopment in Wellington.

Another $1,040,000 has been allocated for works on Cobbora Road.

“The sizeable projects for the rural roads program include the seal extension of Old Mendooran Road, the Ballimore to Goolma Road upgrading, the Benolong Road reconstruction and the renewal of the Gundy Creek Bridge on the Renshaw McGirr Way.”

“The 2017/2018 budget for rural and urban roads, and the three forward years to 2021, represents a harmonisation of the relevant sections of the former Dubbo City Council and Wellington Council 2016/2017 Budget and Operational Plans,” Mr Bailey said.

“The Road Asset Management Plans for the former councils will be integrated over the next three to five years.”

The draft 2017/2018 Operational Plan and Budget is currently on public exhibition for community feedback. It is available from council’s website www.dubbo.nsw.gov.au.

Ratepayers have until 5pm on Friday June 2 to respond.