Balranald Shire Council is seeking community feedback on plans to upgrade Benanee Road from its current unsealed condition through an online survey.

The consultation covers the road that provides access to Lake Benanee, located 13 kilometres east of Euston on the route to Balranald. The road serves residents, tourists, and local businesses travelling to and from the lake area.

Currently unsealed, Benanee Road faces typical challenges of gravel roads in rural NSW. During wet weather, the road becomes difficult to navigate and may be closed for safety reasons. In dry conditions, it requires regular grading and generates dust.

Benefits of Sealing the Road

• Upgrading Benanee Road to a sealed surface would provide:
• All-weather access to Lake Benanee and surrounding areas
• Reduced long-term maintenance costs
• Improved safety for road users
• Better connectivity for residents and visitors
• Less dust affecting nearby properties

Lake Benanee is a recreational area featuring a beach, public toilets, and information bay accessible from the Sturt Highway. The rest area includes gravel parking, shelters, toilets and bins. Sealing the access road would improve year-round accessibility for tourists and recreational users.

Similar projects across NSW have demonstrated the benefits of sealing unsealed rural roads. The recent $5.7 million Kyalite Road upgrade project included road surface reconstruction and drainage improvements for enhanced safety and usability.

Balranald Shire Council maintains a significant road network throughout the shire and regularly seeks community input on road improvements. The council's unsealed road network is typically closed during wet weather to prevent damage and ensure safety.

The consultation allows residents and road users to share their experiences and priorities regarding the Benanee Road upgrade. Council is seeking feedback on:

• Current usage patterns
• Safety concerns
• Economic impacts of the unsealed road
• Priority areas for improvement
• Environmental considerations
• Weather Considerations

Balranald Shire's unsealed roads face weather-related challenges, with closures during wet conditions. Sealing Benanee Road would eliminate weather-related access issues, providing consistent access for emergency services, local businesses, and residents.

Complete the online survey: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=40ThafcRPES8FlOO2jekr86wJteb41tAjz7Fxy6I--lURFdSTEMzSUxCRllCMzhHUUJWWERLMTRSNC4u&route=shorturl

The survey allows community members to provide input that will inform council's planning process for this infrastructure upgrade.

Community feedback from the consultation will help determine the scope and timing of the Benanee Road upgrade project. The upgrade would improve transport connectivity and road safety in the Balranald Shire area.

Council encourages all residents and road users to participate in the consultation process. Input from the community will be considered in planning this infrastructure improvement.