Safety concerns have now been addressed on Boothenba Road with significant upgrades to the intersection that leads to the Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets, thanks to $6 million from the NSW Government’s Drought Stimulus Package.

Member for the Dubbo electorate and Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders has officially opened the new intersection, which delivers significant safety improvements for one of the busiest livestock markets in NSW.

“Hundreds of thousands of sheep and cattle are transported to the saleyards every year, and now it’s easier for heavy vehicles to access the facility with a new, wider road as well as a dedicated turning lane,” Mr Saunders said.

“This upgrade will deliver safer and more efficient trips for all of our farmers, agents, meat buyers and truck drivers accessing the saleyards.

“We’re committed to making agriculture a $30 billion a year industry by 2030, and it’s projects like this that will help us get there.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the $170 million NSW Drought Stimulus Package continues to boost local economies by keeping money flowing and people working in local towns.

“This funding shows the NSW Government’s commitment to build robust regional economies by investing in high-priority infrastructure projects that make our regions better places to live and do business,” Mr Toole said.

The project also received $2 million from the Commonwealth Government’s Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program.

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said these upgrades needed to happen for the safety of those transporting livestock in heavy vehicles to and from the saleyards as well as the public using the Boothenba Road intersection.

“As a cattle farmer, I know just what a difference a safe and reliable road can make when delivering livestock from the paddock to the saleyards, and it’s great to be here today to see just how these upgrades are benefitting local producers and truck drivers,” Mr Coulton said.

“I’m pleased that the former Coalition Government invested $2 million in such an important project, which will make Dubbo’s roads safer and lift the economic potential of the Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets.”