A new round of funding is set to improve local roads across the region while creating new jobs and boosting the economy.
The turbocharged program is set to deliver more than $12.3 million for projects across the Port Stephens, Lake Macquarie, Maitland and Cessnock local government areas.
“It will mean smoother, safer trips along roads Hunter communities use every day – like Fairlands Road in Medowie, which will undergo pavement rehabilitation along the entire length of the road thanks to $700,000 in funding for Port Stephens Council,” Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Catherine Cusack, said.
“Ruttleys Road in Wyee is also set to be rehabilitated and significantly widened to improve surface condition, alignment and cycle safety with the addition of bicycle lanes in both directions, thanks to more than $2.25 million.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Michael McCormack, said the Australian Government’s funding injection was about generating jobs, encouraging spending and stimulating local economies.
“The injection will see $382 million of joint funding allocated to shovel-ready projects able to start in the next 12 months, driving an estimated 3,500 jobs in regional NSW,” he said.
NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Paul Toole, added the government was also accelerating its funding for the program to get more projects to seal, maintain and repair local roads under way faster.
“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,” Mr Toole said.
Projects will need to be delivered within two years of receiving funding, to ensure that local communities are benefiting sooner and applications for round two of the program will open later this year.
The Australian Government has committed $191 million to build on the NSW Government’s $500 million Fixing Local Roads program, ensuring even more communities in the Hunter and Paterson federal electorates benefit faster.
