$563,000 project to repair storm damaged road
The NSW Government has completed a major project to repair a storm damaged road in the Southern Tablelands to restore vehicle access for private landowners, firefighters, and nature lovers.
Crown Lands in the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) has repaired a 1.3 kilometre section of Tarlo River Road at Greenwich Park, about 30 kilometres north-east of Goulburn.
Tarlo River Road was badly impacted by storms in February and March 2022 that created washouts and gully erosion, leaving it unusable. Stormwater flows created deep channels, damaged drainage structures, and left debris blocking access along two key sections of the road.
The $563,000 restoration project was funded under a NSW Government grant program made available for repairs associated with natural disaster events.
Repairs included grading and reshaping the road, patching gravel areas and clearing and restoring culverts and table drains. Some parts of the road were so badly damaged that a complete re-build was required to re-establish road levels and achieve properly functioning drainage structures.
The repair work has restored safe road access for two-wheel drive vehicles.
Tarlo River Road provides access to properties for local residents as well as bushfire brigade access to the Cookbundoon Fire Trail.
The road also provides four-wheel drive access to the 527-hectare Cookbundoon Nature Reserve, a hidden gem home to diverse native plants and animals, including kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, and 42 recorded bird species including microbats like the White-Striped Free-Tailed Bat.
The nature reserve is popular for bushwalkers and birdwatchers and is particularly stunning during spring and autumn when wildflowers bloom and the foliage transforms, offering picturesque views and a vibrant natural setting.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:
“These important repairs have reinstated Tarlo River Road to a standard that allows nearby residents to access their properties, bushfire fighters to use the fire trail, and visitors to again navigate their way to enjoy the natural beauty of Cookbundoon Nature Reserve.
“Crown Lands’ work has ensured the road remains structurally adequate to provide safe access and will also help reduce ongoing erosion.”