Major funding boost for Clarence Way
Council is celebrating a successful $5 million Australian Government funding application which will deliver the upgrade of another 3.4km of the Clarence Way.
Council received the $5 million through the Australian Government’s Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program, further strengthening the existing $47.2 million Clarence Way Upgrade Project between Sandilands and Urbenville.
Council will add $1.25 million to the $5 million to upgrade additional sections of the road between Bonalbo and Urbenville.
The works will involve improving drainage, replacement of culverts, widening the pavement to a consistent 7m wide bitumen sprayed seal, pavement strengthening, ride quality improvement, line marking, signage and delineation on a 2.4 km section of Clarence Way between Murphys Road and Mills Road at Bean Creek and another 1km section south of the Yabbra Scrub.
Kyogle Council Mayor Cr Danielle Mulholland described the funding announcement as incredible news and a wonderful outcome for Clarence Way communities and motorists alike.
“This is the result of some hard work and relentless lobbying, and we are excited to finally be able to put a tick in that box,” Cr Mulholland said.
“There will still be some work to do on the Clarence Way, but Council is committed to lobbying for sufficient funds to finalise the Clarence Way Project. It will provide residents with improved access and also potentially provide an alternate freight route by connecting Grafton through to Queensland.
“Congratulations to the staff and contractors who have undertaken the work on the Clarence Way to date, and a huge thank you to residents who have waited so patiently for this road to be upgraded.
“Council would like to thank the Australian Government for this funding and Member for Page, Kevin Hogan MP for making representations on our behalf.”
Bonalbo -based Councillor Tom Cooper echoed the Mayor saying it was fantastic news that came on the back of the good work already done on Clarence Way by Council.
“Good roads lead to efficiencies in transport, and with the high cost of fuel now it’s more important than ever that our roads are as good as we can possibly make them for efficient travel,” he said.
Work on the additional 3.4km is expected to start in early 2027. Council is actively seeking further funding under the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program to complete the upgrade of the full length of the Clarence Way.
