NSW Government to Hire Remote Graziers to Repair Storm-Damaged Far West Roads

A new initiative by Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW) will allow remote graziers and station owners in Far West NSW to be contracted to repair local road networks using their own machinery. The program follows three natural disasters that hit the region over the past six months, causing severe damage across 2,800 kilometres of unsealed roads. Under the plan, landholders who participate will receive market hourly rates through a formal tender process, though they must pay their own initial registration fees.

Economic Impact on Local Businesses

The prolonged road closures have severely disrupted local tourism and agricultural operations. Samantha and Richard Maiden, owners of Mt Gipps Station located roughly 40 kilometres north of Broken Hill, report losing more than 25 percent of their annual revenue. Despite receiving only about 25 millimetres of rainfall this year, their local dirt roads have experienced intermittent closures lasting over five months. The disruptions forced the cancellation of guest bookings at their farm-stay accommodation, resulting in an estimated $60,000 loss in revenue and an 80 percent drop in tourism business compared to the previous year.

The unstable road conditions also pose safety risks for freight movement. Mr Maiden noted that heavy livestock trucks frequently use these routes, creating a risk of vehicles overturning and halting the transport of sheep.

Concerns Over Safety Rules and Red Tape

Despite the intent of the program to accelerate repairs, local graziers have expressed frustration over administrative hurdles and safety requirements. Regulations mandate the presence of a trained spotter or safety supervisor during repair works. Craig Matthews, TfNSW director of regional road network maintenance for the west region, stated that these rules are essential to ensure safety and prevent people from working alone.

However, Ms Maiden described the process as ill-suited for station owners who do not wish to manage large contracts or navigate lengthy tender procedures. She argued that local landholders already possess the necessary operational knowledge and safety skills, proposing instead an emergency response model where equipped graziers could be mobilized quickly to repair roads within a 100-kilometre radius.

Station owners warned that if administrative delays persist for months, some graziers may take matters into their own hands to fix surrounding roads independently. TfNSW stated that the program tender will open shortly and that it intends to continue consulting with local graziers.