A key transport route linking Balranald and Oxley in south-western New South Wales is set for a major upgrade aimed at improving flood resilience, backed by funding from the Australian government’s $1 billion Disaster Ready Fund.
The project will strengthen a critical section of the regional road network that has faced repeated closure and damage from flooding in recent years.
The federal government has allocated almost $2.5 million to the Oxley Road Upgrade Project to rebuild two low-lying segments of the route that frequently become impassable during periods of moderate to heavy rainfall.
An additional $613,000 has been co-contributed by the Shire of Balranald, bringing the total investment to over $3.1 million.
The works will involve the reconstruction of 1.5-kilometre and 1.3-kilometre stretches of Oxley Road, which will be raised and equipped with new drainage culverts to improve floodwater flow.
Once complete, the upgrades will enhance the road’s durability, reduce the impact of flood-related closures, and provide more reliable access for freight operators, emergency services, and local residents.
Severe flooding in September 2022 caused widespread damage throughout the Balranald region and forced the closure of Oxley Road for 18 months.
This disruption impeded emergency response operations, limited community access, and diverted freight to alternate routes, adding time and cost for regional transport operators.
Although the road reopened in 2024, residual damage to the surface and supporting structure has restricted its use to local traffic only.
The new project aims to restore Oxley Road to full capacity, preventing future closures and minimising economic and social disruption during major flood events.
It is expected to improve access to essential services, enhance safety for residents and transport users, and reduce long-term road repair and maintenance costs for Balranald Shire Council.
The funding forms part of the third round of the Disaster Ready Fund, the federal government’s flagship national program for boosting disaster resilience and preparedness.
The five-year, $1 billion initiative supports local projects that mitigate the physical, social, and economic effects of natural disasters.
Under Round Three, $68.3 million has been allocated towards 18 projects across New South Wales, administered through the NSW Reconstruction Authority.
Federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain highlighted that the Oxley Road project represents an important investment in regional flood resilience and supports wider efforts to mitigate the risks of increasingly severe weather events.
The project is consistent with the Australian and New South Wales Governments’ disaster mitigation strategies, which focus on long-term adaptation and preparedness rather than reactive recovery.
NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin emphasised that the works form part of the state government’s commitment to strengthening regional infrastructure, particularly in the Far West, where communities have been heavily affected by climate impacts.
Raising the low-lying sections of Oxley Road is expected to ensure continued connectivity for local residents, freight routes, and emergency services during future rain events.
Balranald Shire Council Mayor Louie Zaffina said the successful funding application reflects the council’s commitment to restoring vital community infrastructure and building long-term resilience.
Planning and design work will proceed in the coming months, with further updates to be provided as the project moves into construction.