Over $7.5 million has been announced for the four councils in the Hunter electorate to spend on roads under the first quarter payment of this year’s Roads to Recovery programme.

The Nationals Duty Senator for Hunter John Williams said Lake Macquarie Council is to receive $5.17 million for five major roadworks, Cessnock City Council will receive $1.49 million for eleven projects, Singleton Council has been allocated $506,00 for work at six locations, and Muswellbrook Shire Council is to receive $390,000 for two road treatments.

He said in some cases the councils will have to contribute from their own funds to  meet the total cost.

Senator Williams said councils look forward to the Roads to Recovery programme because the money comes directly from the Australian government with $1.86 billion to be distributed across the nation from this financial year through to 2020-21.