Liberal MP for the Hunter Taylor Martin, said he was encouraging Maitland council along with Cessnock, Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens councils to nominate "shovel ready" projects they'd like to get off the ground.

"The first round of Fixing Local Roads is now open and will help councils with projects that are shovel-ready to get started, ensuring local communities are benefiting sooner," Mr Martin said.

"The investment would help keep communities connected and would boost economic and social development in the bush.

"More than 80 per cent of our State's road network is managed by councils, with many regions currently suffering extreme drought.

"Long periods of heat and lack of rain can take its toll on our roads and this funding boost will help them tackle the challenges these local communities are facing.

"By supporting councils to clear the maintenance backlog, we will be able to create more job opportunities in the bush, as well as delivering safe and reliable access to critical services such as hospitals and schools."

Applications under Round 1 of the Program will close on December 2, with successful projects announced early 2020.

The Fixing Local Roads Program is available to regional and rural councils, which will be able to apply for grants to repair priority local roads.

For more information go to rms.gov.au/fixinglocalroads.