The upgrade of a notorious dirt road in the Tamworth region locals have lobbied for years to upgrade will be among $9 million worth of improvements "turbocharged" by a new Commonwealth roads funding program.
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Kelvin Road between Gunnedah and Rangari Road will get a $4 million upgrade as part of the stimulus scheme, Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson announced yesterday.
Locals have long lobbied for an upgrade of the road, complaining of dust and safety issues caused by the rural by-way.
Mr Anderson said the extra money would mean upgrades across electorate would be done faster.
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"We're not just putting our foot down in terms of delivering this package - we're turbocharging it to ensure we create jobs and create better journeys on the roads that really matter to local communities," he said.
"This is about delivering projects that can make a big difference for local communities - projects that will drive valuable jobs in our region over the next 12 months as councils get cracking on delivery."
In an announcement yesterday Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack committed $191 million from the Federal taxpayer to add on to the NSW Government's $500 million Fixing Local Roads program, to help speed up the scheme.
The announcement also means an upgrade to the 7 kilometre unsealed section of the Retreat Road between Bendemeer and Kingstown, plus a replacement of the Retreat Bridge. The road will be opened to B-double trucks.
Walcha residents will also win a $270,000 rehabilitation of the Glen Morrison Road, with government also spending $180,000 to seal a section of Geraldine Road.
Kangaroo Flat Road and Moona Plains Road will also receive upgrades.
Projects need to be completed within two years of receiving funding.
Federal MP Barnaby Joyce said the funding means smoother, safer trips for drivers across the electorate of New England.
"This is about getting shovels in the ground on local construction projects to maintain jobs and economic growth in New England," he said.
"Every single job that we support makes a huge difference and will ensure we have the safe transport connections needed to keep moving now, and as we navigate out of the coronavirus pandemic."
Some 258 projects across 83 local government areas will receive money as part of round one of the scheme, which is part of a $1.5 billion infrastructure stimulus package. There will be 20 roads upgraded in the Federal Division of New England at a combined cost of $24 million.
Andrew Messenger
Politics, environment and energy journalist at the Northern Daily Leader. I also write about health, bushfires and occasionally music. I'm a Brisbane boy by way of Charleville and Hobart who now lives in in beautiful New England. Get me at andrew.messenger@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Politics, environment and energy journalist at the Northern Daily Leader. I also write about health, bushfires and occasionally music. I'm a Brisbane boy by way of Charleville and Hobart who now lives in in beautiful New England. Get me at andrew.messenger@austcommunitymedia.com.au
