The first round of the NSW Government’s $500 million Fixing Local Roads program is now open, Tweed MP Geoff Provest has announced.

Mr Provest said under the program locals councils could apply for funding to repair, maintain or seal local roads.

“The NSW Nationals in Government went to the 2019 State Election committed to making important local roads safer and more efficient and today we deliver on that commitment,” Mr Provest said.

“The first round of Fixing Local Roads is now open and will help our council with projects that are shovel-ready to get started, ensuring our local communities are benefiting sooner.”

Mr Provest said the investment would help keep communities connected and would boost economic and social development in the bush.

“More than 80 per cent of our state’s road network is managed by councils, with many regions currently suffering extreme drought,” Mr Provest said.

“Long periods of heat and lack of rain can take its toll on our roads and this funding boost will help them tackle the challenges these local communities are facing.

“By supporting councils to clear the maintenance backlog, we will be able to create more job opportunities in the bush, as well as delivering safe and reliable access to critical services such as hospitals and schools.”

Applications under Round 1 of the Program will close on 2 December 2019, with successful projects announced in early 2020.

The Fixing Local Roads Program is available to regional and rural councils, which will be able to apply for grants to repair priority local roads.

For more information go to rms.gov.au/fixinglocalroads