THE state of country roads is being sacrificed in favour of inner-city electorates, according to the NSW Opposition.

And when rain comes to rural regions, the roads become even worse.

"Many roads in western NSW are bloody awful –- a disgrace to any government," said Broken Hill National Party MLC Mark Kersten.

Narrabri Council Engineer Robert Kneale agrees. "The roads are falling to pieces," he said.

Mr Kersten said arterial rural roads were a "nightmare", adding:, "People can’t travel when it rains and it is a week before they can drive out."

Shadow Public Works Minister and Deputy Leader of the National Party George Souris said that at a time when country people were demanding better, the NSW Government had cut funding.

"Funding for country roads was slashed by almost $50 million," Mr Souris said. "This is a reduction of 7.7 percent."

Mr Souris said recent reports showed an increase in accidents on country roads.

"The Labor Government does not understand that, without adequate road funding, regional development will not happen, and no amount of glib words can overcome that fact."

A spokesperson for Roads Minister Carl Scully denied Mr Souris’ claims.

"The Federal Government’s significant cuts to highway maintenance has affected the conditions of highways in NSW," the spokesperson said.

"The 1996-97 State Budget allocated a record $961 million for rural roads and that strong funding will continue."

"Further improvement in road safety and conditions remains one of the Government’s most important priorities."

The spokesperson said that from 1991 to 1994, under the Coalition Government, country roads accounted for 61 per cent of NSW road fatalities. Under Labor, that figure had been reduced to 57pc.

While the two sides of politics continue to argue, the problem for regional NSW is massive road distances and small populations.

Even the recent rain – a godsend to farmers – caused anxiety for those in black soil regions.

Due to the high clay content of the soil, the roads do not drain well and vehicles become bogged. Bus companies say heavy rain makes it impossible to maintain schedules.

Regional councils have limited funding to deal with the problem.

"Council just does not have enough money to construct roads," Walgett Council engineer said.

National Party MLC Doug Moppett said: "The Walgett-Carinda Road is the worst road in NSW."

Walgett Council wants to build a new road within five years.

Narrabri shire road maintenance costs from $100,000 per kilometre. Basic equipment – a grader, roller and water cart – costs between $1,500 to $1,700 a day and the cost of construction, or transporting gravel, is not included.

Bourke Council general manager Alan Varley said funding for bridges was another problem.

"There used to be specific funds set aside for bridge replacement and maintenance, now it is a block grant that includes bridge maintenance," he said.

Gilgandra mayor Ross Whalen said: "We haven’t had funding for bridges for several years."

Gilgandra’s wooden Teribile Bridge needs replacing, and maintaining timber bridges costs from $50,000 to $100,000 per year, he said.

More accidents and deaths occurred per kilometre on the Great Western Highway – linking Sydney with rural NSW, Adelaide and Perth – than the Pacific Highway.

Sydney Roadlinks Committee (comprising 16 central-west councils) has lobbied for major upgrading from Lapstone to Lithgow. But upgrading the highway to four lanes will take 20-30 years.

B-Doubles (1½ trailers) save 20pc in freight costs but are not permitted on the Great Western Highway.

"Country people are not getting a fair deal," said Gilgandra Council’s Dan Turner.

"A freeway or tollway, as an alternative route, is in favour. Residents are not against the proposal."

© 1998 Carolyn Cash