Access to the Mount Grenfell historic aboriginal site will become much easier with the Pulpulla Road (Shire Road 6) soon to be sealed.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton announced last week that 14 councils in his electorate would benefit from $43.9million in funding from the Fixing Local Roads program, with Cobar Shire Council to receive $5million to seal the Pulpulla Road.
Mr Coulton said the Australian and NSW governments had joined forces, investing major funds to turbocharge the program that will help to improve local roads across regional NSW.
He said one of the conditions of the program is that projects need to be delivered within two years of receiving funding which will ensure that more regional communities are benefiting faster.
Cobar Shire Council general manager Peter Vlatko said council’s application for funding to seal 30km of the Pulpulla Road had been supported by the Mount Grenfell traditional Aboriginal owners and NSW National Parks and Wildlife, who jointly manage the site.
“The funding criteria was for local roads and the Pulpulla Road fit that criteria,” Mr Vlatko said.
“Council looked at it being a significant tourist attraction and so it made sense to put it on the agenda when funds were available.”
Council will be required to make a $568,500 co-contribution to this project which Mr Vlatko said Council had made allowance for in the roads budget.
The Byrock Road was also put forward for funding under this program and was overlooked however Mr Vlatko said it may be eligible for funding in Round 2 later this year.
