Flood resilience work at Wilsons Creek

AN upgrade to Wilsons Creek Road will soon deliver much-needed resilience enhancements to prepare for future weather events.

Devastated by the 2022 floods, the key stretch of road between Upper Wilsons Creek Road and Alidenes Road is the only evacuation route for the hinterland communities in Wilsons Creek and the adjoining Upper Wilsons Creek and Huonbrook/Wanganui areas.

The project covers work at several locations and includes upgrades to culverts, landslip repairs, shoulder widening, drainage improvements and strengthening the road pavement through pavement stabilisation and resurfacing.

The funding aims to reduce maintenance and repair costs associated with future natural disasters and ensure the road will better withstand future extreme weather events.

Byron Shire Mayor Sarah Ndiaye said the flood recovery works had been progressing well.

“We thank residents for their patience while we get this important work done and are grateful for the funding to improve Wilsons Creek Road,” Cr. Ndiaye said.

NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said Wilsons Creek Road was a critical local artery, connecting communities and providing access to essential services in Mullumbimby.

“That’s why it’s great to see these roads being built back better and more resilient to future disasters,” Saffin said.

“Northern Rivers roads and bridges have really copped it from mega floods over the past few years.”

Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said accessibility was a key issue for people in regional areas.

“That is absolutely vital in emergencies, when people need to evacuate and then return to their homes when it’s safe to do so,” McBain said.

The Australian and NSW Governments provided $10.7 million in combined disaster recovery funding as part of the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package and Essential Public Asset Restoration works under the jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Work is expected to start in mid-November and be completed by March 2026.