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.

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton has announced a two-million-dollar boost to improve a key heavy vehicle route in the Dubbo Regional Council area under Round 7 of the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program (HVSPP).

Mr Coulton said the upgrade to Boothenba Road will focus on the road’s intersection with Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets, generating enormous safety and economic benefits for the area.

“I am thrilled to announce these funds for Dubbo Regional Council, which will fast-track this high-priority infrastructure project, providing a much-needed boost to local jobs and the regional economy,” Mr Coulton said.

“Upgrading this key intersection will generate economic benefits through productivity gains for heavy vehicles accessing the livestock markets. It will also offer safety benefits through the realignment and widening of this intersection and road corridor.

“Every single local job we support in this region by investing in infrastructure projects means safer journeys, reliable work on the books for local construction businesses and more cash flowing through local communities.

“This is about helping people stay safe on our roads while making key freight routes more efficient, delivering long-term benefits to regions like Dubbo.”

Mayor of the Dubbo Region Ben Shields welcomed the announcement.

“This much-needed upgrade will widen and realign Boothenba Road and allow it to be better utilised by heavy vehicles,” Cr Shields said.

“The Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets are a critical part of the region’s economy, so ensuring that trucks can easily and safely access the facility is paramount.

“Making sure our livestock markets are competitive certainly goes with Council’s policy of making sure Dubbo is open for business.

“I thank the Federal Government and Member for Parkes Mark Coulton for providing funding for this part of an invaluable project.”

Construction is expected to commence early 2021.

For more information and a list of successful applicants, visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/hvspp