Biodiversity concerns put temporary brakes on Wombeyan Caves Road work

The construction project to repair bushfire and flood damage was placed on hold before Easter.

A spokesman said this was due to "additional findings in the field that required further assessments and updates of the original biodiversity report."

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The NSW Department of Planning Industry and Environment (DPIE) and NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) were also providing advice.

General manager Colleen Worthy said she was expecting to receive the final report from consultants today, Tuesday, April 6.

The council will then determine the extent of works permitted, in consultation with DPIE and OEH, in order to recommence the construction project. Mrs Worthy said she expected crews to resume next week.

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In last year's budget the council allocated $5 million over five years to upgrade Wombeyan Caves Road, with $3m to be spent this financial year. The state and federal governments were paying for the bulk of the work.

Meantime, work crews have gone to work on multiple roads repairing damage from last month's flooding.

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