Mayor, John Shaw, Gunning, said it was a problem across the State and times were tough, but council believed it needed to take action now before the condition of roads decreased further.

“We’ve asked our residents if they’d support a five per cent over five years above rate pegging,” he said.

Councillor Shaw said if residents supported it, council would then apply to the State Government for permission for a rate variation.

While ratepayers were still having their say, Cr Shaw said early indications were 60 to 40 against the move.

“Generally people don’t like to see councils asking for more money,” he said.

The shire of 7500 square kilometres includes 11 villages and many roads.

Cr Shaw said the north of the shire had the worst roads infrastructure, with a lot of no through roads that were long and sparsley populated.

Maintenance of gravel roads was the biggest issue, as the council was falling behind on gravel re-sheeting.

Cr Shaw said regional roads, funded in partnership with the State Government, also needed work, and while road maintenance was an issue for council, he didn’t think it had caused any accidents to date.

Upper Lachlan Shire Council expects it will have heard from most of its ratepayers by today about its question on rates increases.

Cr Shaw said the application to increase rates would be discussed at the next council meeting.

More on the road funding crisis in The Land, December 3.