THE funding fiasco regarding the Rangari Road upgrade has continued, with Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson announcing on Tuesday he would push the state government to commit the final $1.6 million.
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In January it was reported a further $2.5 million would be required to finish the project, and Gunnedah Shire Council would be expected to flip that bill.
However, council was not keen to invest so heavily in the project, and said it would continue to work with state and federal governments to find a solution.
It appears Mr Anderson is now willing for the state government to increase its input though, which will take its total investment in the upgrade to $12 million. He said it was always his intention to get more money for the project.
"I always said I would chase the money and I would knock on doors and find an opportunity to do the extra money, and I will continue to do that," he said.
"I can't afford to wait and I won't afford to wait for the desperate need for that money to come forward because what I don't want to see is work on this road to stop."
He said it was crucial to get the seal the road and get it up to scratch, given it's important to the community and the region more broadly.
"Rangari Road is a bone shaker and a tyre tester, that is why I committed to sealing the road in 2019," he said.
"This is an important road, not only for those who live on the road, but for the miners, ag workers and families who use the road every day to get from point A to B.
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"Rangari Road will soon provide safe journeys to the families, freight operators and workers who use the road well into the future."
Gunnedah mayor Jamie Chaffey said he was thrilled an agreement could be reached and that Mr Anderson was chasing some additional funding.
"Council acknowledges the local member for Tamworth's commitment to fight for the remaining funds to see the completion of the entire Rangari Road sealed between the Tamworth and Gunnedah shire boundaries," he said.
"And we wait with great anticipation of a positive outcome in the near future."
Early planning, including surveying and concept design, has already been underway for some time through Tamworth Regional Council.
The bulk of the construction is expected to begin in January 2022, with procurement of culverts, land acquisition, detailed design and tender documents already underway.
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