Road and drainage work has begun on Huonbrook roads

Published on 31 October 2024

Johnsons Road and Huonbrook Road repair work is underway to fix damage caused during the February 2022 floods.

Phil Holloway, Byron Shire Council’s Director Infrastructure Services, said that work over October and November (weather permitting) will improve road conditions and involves road and drainage maintenance and repair as well as grading. 

“We recognise the roads are in poor condition and this work once completed should make the daily commute much more comfortable. On Johnsons Road we are repairing and improving the road and maintaining and improving the drainage. While on Huonbrook Road we are also doing some drainage maintenance and repair work, and grading on the gravel section,” said Mr Holloway. 

“We know that there is other repair work to be done in the Huonbrook area and we will progressively get this work done over the coming years. On Johnsons Road we will be looking to get causeways and culverts repaired by the end of June 2025, while more complex work such as landslips, will take longer to be repaired.

“We want to thank residents for their patience,” he said. 

The Johnsons Road work is funded using a part of the $1.55 million allocated to Byron Shire Council through the Regional Emergency Road Repair Fund, while the Huonbrook Road works, and future causeway and culvert repairs, are jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

The Hon. Emily Jane Suvaal, duty MLC for the North Coast said that all levels of Government are working together to help restore local roads. 

“Restoration of local roads will allow Byron Shire residents to continue their normal lives, travelling to jobs and schools, shopping and attending appointments.

“We are continuing to invest in restoring these essential routes that help communities stay connected,” she said. 

The Hon. Justine Elliott, MP: Federal Member for Richmond, said these works are important for keeping communities connected. 

“We know how important it is to keep communities connected during and after natural disasters. 

 “These roads upgrades across the Byron Shire are about building back better, by repairing the damage and ensuring locals can access safer and more resilient roads.

“I’m proud to be part of the Albanese Labor Government, delivering this joint investment with the NSW Minns Labor Government to continue disaster recovery in the Byron Shire,” she said. 

More information about work on Johnsons and Huonbrook Road is available on Council’s website.