Photo Caption: Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton with Mayor of the Dubbo Region Ben Shields (left) and CEO Michael McMahon (right) at Boothenba Road, which will be upgraded at its intersection with the Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets thanks to $2 million in funding under the Heavy Vehicle Program Round 7.
Thirteen projects across the electorate of Parkes will together share in more than $16.7 million in funding under Round 5 of the Bridges Renewal Program (BRP) and Round 7 of the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program (HVSPP), Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton has announced.
Mr Coulton said the timing couldn’t be better to see funding flow to deliver better and safer bridges and freight roads in the region.
“This vital funding will allow communities right across my electorate to fast-track their highest-priority infrastructure projects, providing a much-needed boost to local jobs and the economy,” Mr Coulton said.
“I am thrilled to see so many projects across the Parkes electorate will receive grants to do exactly that, at a time where it couldn’t be needed more.
“This includes $2 million for an upgrade to Boothenba Road near Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets, $1.25 million for a replacement of Lucas Bridge in the Gilgandra Shire, $2.5 million for the widening of the Mitchell Highway between Bourke and Nyngan, and more than $5 million for roadworks in the Walgett Shire.
“Every single local job we support in the Parkes electorate by investing in infrastructure projects means safer journeys, reliable work on the books for local construction businesses and more cash flowing through local communities.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the latest rounds would support 350 projects across the nation.
“I am pleased to deliver more than $290 million in funding to more than 350 projects nationwide, which will upgrade and replace bridges which have been damaged or are deteriorating and improve key heavy vehicle infrastructure,” Mr McCormack said.
“With nearly 80 per cent of this funding going to local councils, the outcome of these rounds will support local workers, households and businesses through a difficult time and position the Australian economy for a strong recovery.
“By improving our road network this funding will also help keep people safe on our roads while making key freight routes more efficient, delivering long-term benefits to drivers, businesses and local communities.
“This includes our truckies, who form an essential part of the backbone of our national economy and have been working tirelessly during COVID-19 to keep shelves stocked, hospitals supplied and the economy moving.
“Now more than ever the continued roll out of road infrastructure projects is important to support local jobs, underpin economic growth and ensure all Australians can reach their destinations sooner and safer and communities can rest assured that’s exactly what our Government is doing.”
For more information and a list of successful applicants, visit:
www.infrastructure.gov.au/bridges
www.infrastructure.gov.au/hvspp
For project funding details in the Parkes electorate, please see below.
| Project Name/Recipient | Description | Australian Government Funding | Program |
| Lucas Bridge Replacement
Gilgandra Shire Council |
Replace timber structure with new concrete bridge | $1,250,000 | Bridges Renewal Program R5 – Council |
| Orange Grove Road Bridge Replacement
Gunnedah Shire Council |
Replacement of a load limited timber bridge allowing HML access via Orange Grove Road | $626,175 | Bridges Renewal Program R5 – Council |
| Carters Swamp Bridge
Brewarrina Shire Council |
Replaced existing bridge with new structure | $450,000 | Bridges Renewal Program R5 – Council |
| Kelvin Road Upgrade and Seal
Gunnedah Shire Council |
Upgrading and sealing the remaining 11.6kms of Kelvin Road between Gunnedah and Rangari Road | $2,000,000 | Heavy Vehicle Program R7 – Council |
| Reconstruction and Sealing of Come By Chance Road Segment I (17.3km)
Walgett Shire Council |
Reconstruction and sealing, including construction of side-tracks for detours during construction | $2,000,000 | Heavy Vehicle Program R7 – Council |
| Reconstruction and Sealing of Come By Chance Road Segment II (17.3km)
Walgett Shire Council |
Reconstruction and sealing, including construction of side-tracks for detours during construction | $2,000,000 | Heavy Vehicle Program R7 – Council |
| Reconstruction and Sealing of Come By Chance Road Segment III (17.4km)
Walgett Shire Council |
Reconstruction and sealing, including construction of side-tracks for detours during construction | $1,050,000 | Heavy Vehicle Program R7 – Council |
| Boothenba Road Upgrade, Dubbo
Dubbo Regional Council |
Realignment and widening of Boothenba Road to enable safer access for larger vehicles | $2,000,000 | Heavy Vehicle Program R7 – Council |
| Upgrade section of Henry Parkes Way
Lachlan Shire Council |
Upgrade of two intersections, pavement strengthening and safety improvement | $258,000 | Heavy Vehicle Program R7 – Council |
| Warren Road Intersection Upgrade
Coonamble Shire Council |
Upgrade intersection of Warren Road and Castlereagh Highway | $400,000 | Heavy Vehicle Program R7 – Council |
| IB Bore Road Sealing
Gwydir Shire Council |
Pavement upgrade and sealing of approximately 20kms of IB Bore Road, North Star | $2,000,000 | Heavy Vehicle Program R7 – Council |
| Condobolin Truck Wash
Lachlan Shire Council |
Upgrade of existing truck wash to allow B-Double heavy vehicles to use facility | $265,228 | Heavy Vehicle Program R7 – Council |
| HW7 Widening between Bourke to Nyngan
Transport for NSW |
Mitchell Highway widening in various sections with deficient pavement width between Bourke and Nyngan | $2,500,000 | Heavy Vehicle Program R7 – State |
| FUNDING TOTAL: | $16,799,403 |
