The Newell Highway north of Moree will receive major works with $264 million allocated from the Federal Budget for heavy duty pavement upgrades.
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Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton, said the project would make the road safer, reduce travel times and boost the economy.
"The Federal Government's record infrastructure investment pipeline continues to deliver better outcomes for the people of the Parkes electorate," Mr Coulton said.
"Investing in infrastructure upgrades ensures we are planning for a better future, giving locals the roads and services they need and deserve.
"These funding commitments will create jobs, boost business investment, and drive our economic recovery.
"We've already invested $205.7 million into heavy duty pavement upgrades along the Newell Highway between Narrabri and Moree. This new $264 million investment will build on that work, which will get underway in mid-2022.
"This new project will deliver heavy duty pavement upgrades to three sections of the Newell Highway north of Moree, with a combined length of about 30 kilometres. With works including road widening, intersection upgrades, and the installation of painted medians and shoulders on either side of property accesses, this project will improve flood immunity along the highway, and increase freight productivity, network reliability and road safety for all road users.
"The ROSI program is already delivering significant projects in the Parkes electorate - including $35.2 million for the Moree Intermodal Overpass and $8.18 million for the County Boundary Road in the Gwydir Shire. This additional funding will deliver more targeted upgrades and builds on the substantial investment already made in the electorate.
"We've already delivered the jointly funded upgrades from Mungle Back Creek to Boggabilla. In addition, Inland Rail works between Narrabri and North Star are progressing well.
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"The Morrison-Joyce Government will continue to invest in the projects that keep commuters and freight moving, create jobs, and make our nation and economy stronger."
Meanwhile, $400 million has also been allocated to upgrade the 1184km Inland Freight Route from Mungindi to Queensland's Charters Towers.
Moree Plains Shire Mayor, Mark Johnson, said the council was generally pleased with the Budget and its emphasis on regional Australia.
Other funding includes:
- $500 million will be allocated to Local Government Areas throughout Australia to help deliver priority projects.
- The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCI) will receive an additional $139.3 million. Moree Plains Shire Council received $3.6 million in the last phase of LRCI funding.
- The agriculture sector can expect over $600 million that will be used in a range of areas, such as biosecurity, trade, exports and for regional communities.
- $1.3 billion will be used to upgrade and improve communication coverage for regional Australia.
"We look forward to meeting with Mark Coulton to understand the detail of the announcements and what they mean for our community and businesses," councillor Johnson said.
"There is no doubt the region seems to be responding strongly to improved agricultural conditions and the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions. My councillors and I will always advocate for infrastructure to leverage our billion-dollar agriculture sector and ways to improve liveability in the shire."
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