Photo caption: Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton pictured on the upgraded section of the Pooncarie Road. The entire 61 kilometres of the Pooncarie Road within Central Darling Shire will be able to be sealed, thanks to an additional $14.6 million from the Federal Government as part of the 2022-23 Federal Budget.
The Morrison-Joyce Government is continuing to drive the growth of the Parkes electorate, providing more funding through the 2022-23 Budget for infrastructure projects that will create jobs, enhance our road network and deliver lasting benefits for locals.
Key local projects funded through the Budget include:
- $264 million for the Newell Highway Upgrade – Heavy Duty Pavement Upgrades – North Moree
- An additional $14.6 million for the Pooncarie Road to Menindee Upgrade
- An additional $20 million for future priorities within the Toowoomba to Seymour corridor as part of the Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) initiative
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said these projects will make roads 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 $14.6 million for the Pooncarie Road upgrade will involve sealing all 61 kilometres of the existing road within the Central Darling Shire Council local government area, towards Menindee. The additional funding was required to complete the full scope of works, after unexpected costs associated with extreme weather events and unforeseen environmental and cultural issues came up. This funding brings the total project cost to $39.6 million.
“The ROSI program is already delivering significant projects in the Parkes electorate – including $35.2 million for the Moree Intermodal Overpass, $32 million for the Newell Highway and Oxley Highway intersection upgrade, $32 million for upgrades to Hargraves Lane and Federation Street in Gilgandra, $8.18 million for the County Boundary Road in the Gwydir Shire, and $4.98 million for the Pilliga Road upgrade – and this additional funding will deliver more targeted upgrades.
“This investment through the 2022-23 Budget builds on the substantial investment our Government has already made in the Parkes electorate
“We’ve already delivered the jointly funded upgrades from Mungle Back Creek to Boggabilla, and we’re delivering $22.9 million for upgrades along approximately 56.8 kilometres of Tooraweenah Road, within Coonamble Shire.
“In addition, the Parkes to Narromine section of Inland Rail is complete and works between Narrabri and North Star are progressing well.
“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.”
The Australian Government will continue to work with the NSW Government to deliver this infrastructure, supporting jobs and businesses right across the state.
For more information on investments, visit https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au
