Kevin Anderson would like to see the duplication of the Jewry Street bridge wrapped up in Tuesday’s Federal Budget, as well as continued funding towards using two large-scale rail projects to crown Tamworth the transport capital of the inland.
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The State Member didn’t sway far from the party line on Federal matters, although he was pleased to hear that Barnaby Joyce has been talking about upgrades to the Port Stephens Cutting, not only for transport, but also to bring Tamworth within three hours of the coast.
“I work closely with the Federal Member, and what he keeps talking about that is aligned with us is water security, roads and health infrastructure - and I think that relationship we have built up over time will benefit the community,” he said.
One of the most pressing issues for Mr Anderson is the completion of the Jewry Street Bridge duplication, originally an election promise by Mr Joyce in 2016.
“We have spent $11.5 million on Manilla Road, but there is still $3.5 million of Federal money outstanding that I would like to see put in place,” Mr Anderson said.
Like Mr Joyce Mr Anderson would also like to see the conversation continue around a Tamworth bypass, while is also hoping to see “continued funding” of the Tamworth Rail Freight Hub and Inland Rail.
“The bigger picture stuff is interconnecting highways and transport,” he said.
“I want to see connection between the Inland Rail and the Tamworth Freight Rail Centre – connecting them would completely open the inland region for us – Tamworth will be the centre of the New England North West in terms of transport.”
Upgrades to the Port Stephens Cutting were first floated over five years ago, although as the narrow, winding road is a “local road” funding it has always seemed like a long shot, which is why Mr Anderson was so pleased to hear the Federal Member bring it up.
“We need to start the conversation – five years ago when I brought it up council didn’t have the money and they still don’t, but it is a local road,” Mr Anderson said.
“An upgrade would mean easier access for stock and freight transport, as well as easier access to the coast for tourism.
“I have been talking about it, we are seeing Tamworth Regional Council talking about it, and now Barnaby is talking about it now which is fantastic and I really welcome that – putting the big fella (Barnaby Joyce) behind the wheel on this one is really good.
“Ultimately if you don’t ask you don’t get, so let’s start the conversation and make sure we are first in line.”
