Five roads in the Barwon electorate will receive much-needed and long-awaited upgrades thanks to a NSW government investment of more than $30 million.
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Deputy Premier John Barilaro, Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey and Member for Barwon Kevin Humphries were in Narrabri on Friday (May 12) to announce $31.8 million to be shared between Brewarrina, Cobar, Coonamble and Warren, Walgett and Narrabri shire councils as part of the Fixing Country Roads program.
Brewarrina Shire Council was the big winner with $21.3 million going towards the construction and sealing of 96 kilometres of Goodooga Road, a project that has been in the works for the past 10 years.
Walgett Shire Council will receive $5.4 million in funding for the upgrade to seal the remaining 25km of Bugilbone Road.
Narrabri Shire Council has secured $2 million for the upgrade of more than 20km of Pilliga Road between Pilliga and Wee Waa, while the old Dubbo Creek and Brigalow Creek Bridges will be replaced through the Restart NSW Timber Bridge Replacement program.
Funding of $1.9 million will be shared between Coonamble and Warren shire councils to upgrade Warren Road, and Cobar Shire will received $1 million to upgrade 11.8km of Grain Road.
Mrs Pavey said it’s all about farmers being able to get their product to market.
“Everyone knows out here that you can have five mils of rain on the black soil plains and you can’t get your freight and your product to market. I get that and I understand that,” she said.
“We have some of the world’s best farmers in this region and we’re really proud of the effort that you give, that you create and the economic wealth that you generate for our state and our nation.”
NSW Farmers Association executive councillor for region one, Liz Tomlinson said this funding is a big win for farmers around the region.
“Up to a third of farmers’ costs can be transport from the farm gate to port,” she said.
“An increase in efficiency in transport can only have a positive impact for our grain and cotton producing members.
“We’ve been lobbying for many years to see more government funding for infrastructure west of the sandstone curtain, so thank you and keep it coming.”
Mr Humphries said better regional roads leads to stronger local economies, stronger employment opportunities and ultimately stronger communities.
