Graziers step in to fix damaged roads after incomes 'decimated'
1 hour ago
Sam Maiden of Mt Gipps Station says the new initiative is "not fit for purpose". ( ABC Broken Hill: Bill Ormonde )
A government initiative will hire graziers with the relevant equipment to help fix roads in remote Far West NSW.
However, graziers say the program still has a lot of red tape, which will delay road repairs.
The program will be open for tenders shortly, and Transport for NSW says it will continue consulting with graziers.
Samantha and Richard Maiden of Mt Gipps Station estimate they have lost more than a quarter of their annual business due to ongoing road closures .
The couple's sheep station, which also offers farm-stay accommodation in remote Far West New South Wales, has had about 25 millimetres of rain this year, closing its mainly dirt roads on and off for more than five months.
Sam Maiden is concerned about the safety of road users. ( ABC Broken Hill: Bill Ormonde )
While they waited for repair crews, Ms Maiden estimated they lost about $60,000 in revenue after having to cancel reservations with guests unable to get in on flooded roads.
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