Kiama Municipal Council will receive $4.5 million to help improve key road infrastructure at Jamberoo Mountain Road, Foxground Road and Wallaby Hill Road from the NSW Government’s Infrastructure Betterment Fund.

The funds will be used to shore up the roads with improved drainage, road resealing, pavement reconstruction and embankment stabilisation.

The three roads in question were heavily damaged following severe storms and floods in 2021-22, as well as the Black Summer bushfires in 2019-2020. Jamberoo Mountain Road reopened to the public in July 2023 after a year of closure due to the damage, and there are still concerns from local residents that the road will close again if another significant weather event hits.

The Infrastructure Betterment Fund is a $200 million program established specifically to rebuild public assets damaged by these natural disasters. Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said the grant will ensure the three roads are prepared for any future disasters.

“I’ve listened to locals who said loud and clear that these roads need to be improved and strengthened – I’m happy to be helping to deliver these improvements local people asked for,” Fiona said.

Kiama Councillor Stuart Larkins was thankful for the funding, saying ““Since being elected, I have been in contact with local people and families who live on these roads and I know firsthand their desire for improving the road conditions, road drainage and embankment stabilisation.”

Kiama Deputy Mayor Imogen Draisma added: “Ensuring that Wallaby Hill Rd is resilient is vital for local residents and the region. Council welcomes the funding from the Albanese and Minns Governments which recognises the need for further investment in country roads.”