Roads repaired under largest ever state forest infrastructure program
Road access has been improved in State forests over the past two years under the largest ever infrastructure program rolled out across the NSW State Forest estate.
The $60-million Forest Infrastructure Repair Program (FIRP), undertaken by Forestry Corporation, has now seen 160 road, bridge and culvert projects planned, constructed and completed in State forests since 2022.
Forest Infrastructure Project Supervisor Peter Walsh said a further 60 projects are currently operational and a further 54 are in planning stages across the state.
Mr Walsh said the fund has improved public and emergency firefighting access in State forests and generated regional returns through public infrastructure investment for local communities.
“Restoring and improving vehicle access to the forest estate has been a major focus for Forestry Corporation with these major works creating regional employment and adding significantly to regional economies,” he said.
Laurieton-based company Green Construction Management is completing one of the latest projects on the Mid North Coast.
The firm has overseen the installation of a concrete bridge on Geary’s Flat Road in Kippara State Forest, north-west of Wauchope, and is now undertaking road widening works.
“The great thing about the projects is they allow contractors completing the work to source all of the labour and supplies from the local area,” owner operator Rob Green said.
“When you look at this project, we have replaced a damaged old timber bridge no longer fit for traffic with a new precast concrete structure that carries a life span of around 100 years,” he said.
Across NSW, Forestry Corporation maintains a 60,000km road and fire trail network that complements the public road network providing access for community use, forest management and fire protection.
After years of significant weather damage, a statewide audit found more than half of the State forest road network was in areas heavily impacted by flooding.
Consecutive weather events damaged between 10,000 and 50,000 kilometres of forest roads.
This prompted the NSW Government in 2022 to provide $60 million in funding spread over three years to fix flood-damaged roads, bridges and culverts and restore vehicle access for the wider community.
To find out more about the Forest Infrastructure Repair Program go to forestrycorporation.com.au
Forest Infrastructure Repair Program Highlights
March – June, 2024
Bega Valley
- Construction of two bridges on Mountain Road and one bridge on Ireland Timms Road in Nadgee State Forest near Eden has been completed – Bega Valley LGA
- The replacement of a bridge with a concrete culvert/bridge structure has been completed on Timbillica Road in Timbillica State Forest near Eden – Bega Valley LGA
- A contract for the replacement of two bridges on Goanna Road in East Boyd State Forest near Eden has been awarded – Bega Valley LGA
- The construction of a concrete culvert on Goanna Road in East Boyd State Forest near Eden was completed – Bega Valley LGA
Ireland Timms bridge - Nadgee State Forest.
Shoalhaven
- The replacement of a bridge on Western Distributor Road in Yadboro State Forest and a bridge on Lyons Road bridge in Currowan SF near Batemans Bay has commenced – Shoalhaven LGA
- A contract for the replacement of a bridge on Mares Hill Road in Yadboro State Forest near Batemans Bay has been awarded – Shoalhaven LGA
Dungog
- A repair of a landslip was completed on Williams Top Road in Chichester State Forest near Dungog - Dungog LGA
Mid North Coast
- A contract for the construction of a bridge on Mt Allyn Road in Chichester State Forest near Dungog has been awarded – Mid Coast LGA
Kempsey
- The repair of a timber deck bridge on Tamban Road in Tamban State Forest was completed – Kempsey LGA
Port Macquarie Hastings
- A repair of a large landslip on Rocky Ridge Road in Kippara State Forest near Wauchope was completed – Port Macquarie – Hastings LGA
- A contract for winning and crushing gravel in the Razorblades quarry in Kippara State Forest near Wauchope has been awarded – Port Macquarie LGA
- The construction of a concrete causeway on Gearys Flat Road in Kippara State Forest near Wauchope was completed – Port Macquarie LGA
- The replacement of three bridges on Gearys Flat Road in Kippara State Forest near Wauchope has commenced - Port Macquarie – Hastings LGA
Wauchope
- A tender to construct a bridge on Charlies Yard Road in Middle Brother State Forest near Wauchope was released
Coffs Harbour
- A contract for the construction of a concrete causeway on Bark Hut Road in Wedding Bells State Forest was awarded – Coffs Harbour LGA
Blackbutt Road Bridge - Bullsground State Forest
Clarence Valley
- Roadworks in Newfoundland State Forest north of Coffs Harbour commenced – Clarence Valley LGA
- The construction of two bridges in Southgate State Forest near Grafton has been completed – Clarence Valley LGA
Richmond Valley
- A contract for the construction of two bridges on Glencoe Road in Doubleduke State Forest near Casino has been awarded – Richmond Valley LGA.
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