NSW State Forests are Undergoing Their Biggest Road Upgrade Ever

Up to 50,000km of the NSW State Forest road network has been affected by flooding and severe weather in recent years, according to a statewide audit, prompting the NSW Government to invest in upgrading access across the state.

Improved Access to State Forests Up & Down the Coast

The Forest Infrastructure Repair Program (FIRP) is the largest upgrade program ever rolled out across the NSW State Forest estate and has seen $60 million invested into upgrading between 10,000km-50,000km of damaged roads. Across NSW, the Forestry Corporation maintains 60,000km of roads and fire trails.

Blackbutt Road bridge replacement

Led by the Forestry Corporation, FIRP has seen 160 road, bridge, and culvert projects completed in NSW State Forests since the program began in 2022.

Upgrades have already taken place across the Bega Valley, Shoalhaven, Dungog, the Mid North Coast, Kempsey, and Port Macquarie Hastings, with more upgrades on the way in Wauchope and Coffs Harbour. There are another 60 projects currently in operation and a further 54 in planning stages across the state.

Read more: What’s the difference between National Parks and State Forests?

A damaged bridge at Doyles River

Peter Walsh, Forest Infrastructure Project Supervisor said the program funding has not only enhanced public and emergency fire fighting access in State Forests, it’s also delivered substantial economic benefits to regional communities through public infrastructure investments.

‘Restoring and improving vehicle access to the forest estate has been a major focus for Forestry Corporation. These works have created jobs and provided a significant boost to regional economies’, Mr Walsh said.

State Forests that have seen or are expecting upgrades include Kippara State Forest, Chichester State Forest, Nadgee State Forest, East Boyd State Forest, Timbillica State Forest, Tamban State Forest, and Yadboro State Forest.

Repairs have been made after a landslip in Lansdowne

Photos thanks to Forestry Corporation