Council is asking drivers to please be patient and drive to the conditions on unsealed roads in the Local Government Area as the ongoing drought inhibits its normal grading program - with over 90 per cent of the region in drought or drought-affected.
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NSW is experiencing one of the most severe droughts on record and the Mid-Western Region is among the worst affected areas of the state.
Council is undertaking limited grading works in areas where adequate water sources are available. However, ground moisture is critical to the grading process and the region has received just 43 per cent of its average rainfall from January to July this year.
Last month, Mudgee Airport Weather Station recorded 4mm of rainfall, just nine per cent of the monthly average for July (41mm). Similarly in June, just 7mm fell, which is 16 per cent of the monthly average of 43mm.
The Department of Primary Industries recognises 63 per cent of the Mid-Western Regional Local Government Area is drought-affected, 31 per cent is in drought with just five per cent non drought-affected.
If roads are graded during these conditions they deteriorate quickly, disintegrating into dry dust holes and pot holes to the point of becoming worse than if left ungraded.
Acting general manager, Simon Jones, said Council is doing all it can in these extreme conditions and has recently commenced roadside tree trimming on sections of Queens Pinch, Pyramul, Mebul and Merotherie Roads.
"Whilst the drought is inhibiting our grading program, Council was able to secure $300,000 through the NSW Government's Drought Relief Heavy Vehicle Access Program, and will undertake tree trimming in these areas to ensure heavy vehicles can better deliver hay, move stock and farm machinery," Mr Jones said.
"Our region is experiencing the worst drought in 100 years and we're all hoping for soaking rains to deliver relief. Council is very sympathetic with our rural residents who live on unsealed roads and the impact these conditions take on vehicles but if we proceed with grading in these conditions we could damage them further."
Motorists are asked to please drive to road conditions and follow all signage advisories.
