The road has been shortlisted to receive a possible $5.42 million through the NSW Government’s 2015-16 Resources for Regions program.

Worth $10.5m in total, the project also includes $3.1m from CVO and $2m from Blayney Shire Council.

Split into sections the NSW Government funding of $5.4m will provide for the initial sealing of 5.7km of Errowanbang Road, and the replacement of Dirt Hole Creek Bridge.

Cadia Valley Operations, as an industry partner, will provide a contribution of $3.1m for the initial sealing of 7.6km of Cadia Road and council has agreed to fund $2m towards the project which will enable the widening and rehabilitation of 2km of Errowanbang Road, and 1.4km of Panuara Road.

Mayor Scott Ferguson said that the benefits of the road extend well beyond the mine. 

“To be shortlisted is very pleasing, and it acknowledges council's achievement and success to date in delivering the first stage of this important freight transport link in December 2015 both on time and within budget,” he said. “The benefit to the mining industry, forestry, value to agriculture and realising of tourism potential are all significant features of this project.”

The new road will also mean a boost for tourism to Carcoar with a trip from Orange to the historic village only taking 23 minutes rather than 70 through Millthorpe and Blayney.

If the project and business case is successful at the next stage of assessment, works will commence in September, with the proposed completion date of December 2019.

Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said that the Blayney application was among those assessed as having one of the strongest projects in a very competitive pool.

“It has the potential to bring value to the community including boosting jobs, supporting mining impacted local infrastructure and the local economy,” he said.