Council to Lobby Government following closure of Ulmarra Ferry

Published on 27 June 2024

Clarence Valley Councillors supported the General Managers report on Tuesday, 25 June, to lobby the State Government for compensatory funds to be spent on infrastructure in the Clarence Valley following the closure of the Ulmarra to Southgate Ferry.

Clarence Valley Council’s General Manager Laura Black proposed to write to the Local State Member Richie Williamson and the Minister for Regional Transport, The Hon. Jenny Aitchison, seeking their support for compensatory funding.

“We’re requesting $8.8 million in lieu of continuation of the Ulmarra to Southgate Ferry service by Transport NSW.”

“The funding we are seeking will go towards the upgrade of 5kms of Lawrence Road from Great Marlow to Grafton, the completion of the Ulmarra Riverside Precinct Bailey Park connectivity and Small Park Upgrade, as well as the completion of the Grafton Waterfront Precinct from Clarence Street to the Grafton Bridge.” Ms Black said.

Council has received more than $2 million under the Disaster Recovery Fund Agreement to address critically damaged pavement areas on Lawrence Road at Alumy Creek. During the design, it was identified that approximately 4.8km of Lawrence Road from the intersection of Great Marlow Road to Grafton requires road widening along with pavement upgrades to address several road safety concerns.

“Council staff have progressed with a design of this section of road which will address these issues and provide a significantly safer route of travel”.

“A construction estimate of $7,341,307 has been provided for this project which leaves a funding shortfall of $5,128,948, and without funding this project will be delivered in stages once funding becomes available.”

In parallel with the Lawrence Road upgrades, the requested funding will also go towards the completion of the upgrade of the northern end of parkland at Bailey Park Ulmarra, the upgrade of the RV campground at Small Park Ulmarra, and the completion of the Clarence Street to the Grafton Bridge section of the Grafton Waterfront Precinct.

The General Manager’s report also requested that Transport NSW prioritises its commitment to design and deliver pedestrian access across Big River Way in Ulmarra and for funds to be available for the upgrade of the Pound and Villiers Street intersection to a signalised intersection to cope with the increased vehicular movements as a result of the cessation of the Ulmarra to Southgate Ferry.