Rainfall in February resulted in major rockfalls along parts of Wombeyan Caves Road, cutting off access to properties.
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The state government has yet to introduce a COVID-19 stimulus package for councils throughout NSW. And it is now having a detrimental impact.
A state government financial injection during the crisis would help council and their community, especially due to the closure of Wombeyan Caves Road.
Read Further: Locals wanting a Wombeyan Caves Road safety improvement
Wingecarribee Shire Council has estimated the cost to repair the road would be between $4 million and $8 million - a cost too great for the council to absorb currently.
Shadow Minister for Roads, John Graham MLC, and Shadow Minister for Local Government Greg Warren MP, said a COVID-19 council stimulus would help councils commence works on projects such as the repair of Wombeyan Caves Road, and would provide a much-needed jobs boost for those involved in the project.
"Roads are essential infrastructure - there are important questions to be asked about how easily residents are able to access healthcare and other essential services in areas where main roads have been damaged," Graham said.
"Investment in local roads projects like the Wombeyan Caves Road would support community access to services and would support the local economy too."
Mr Warren added: "Councils are doing their utmost to keep their workforce employed with little to no help from the state government."
"By helping out councils with a stimulus package, projects like the reopening of Wombeyan Caves Road would be able to proceed.
"It would also mean those involved in the project were employed and had a vital source of income during this crisis.
"A stimulus package for councils is not a luxury, it is a necessity."
