March 10, 2021
Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson today visited two Gunnedah Shire roads projects that have reached significant milestones.
Cr Chaffey and Mr Anderson turned the first sod for the Clifton Road upgrade between Carroll and Breeza, signalling the start of work on this project worth approximately $9.6 million.
“Local families and businesses have campaigned for this upgrade for some time,” Cr Chaffey said. “Today marks the start of work on a project that will mean a safer and smoother drive, with a lot less dust.
“But this upgrade is also important for our local industries that use this road for freight transport.
“It is great to see the continued success of the outcome of three tiers of government working together. The NSW Government has allocated $8.56 million for the project through the Fixing Country Roads Program, and the Federal Government has contributed just over $1 million through the Local Roads Community Infrastructure Fund.
It is anticipated the project will be completed in early 2022.
“It’s a critical transport link, and we thank both the NSW and federal governments for funding this project that will be delivered by Gunnedah Shire Council.”
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said it was fantastic to see this project underway.
“Clifton Road is a key freight route in this part of the world and these upgrades will improve safety and productivity for freight operators, farmers and the local community,” Mr Coulton said.
“This is a great example of the types of local priorities being delivered around regional NSW and the nation, under the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program: delivering local jobs and lasting infrastructure as we continue our economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Mr Anderson said the start of work was great news for all road users.
“This road upgrade will significantly boost the local economy. We have the $20 million Carrol Cotton Gin on this road so bringing it up to standard means more jobs and more money into this community.
“Any time we can help our farmers safely transport their crops and conduct their business, it’s a big win for our region. The new cotton gin alone has the capacity to bring $150 million into the local economy which is a massive boost for local jobs.”
The Clifton Road project includes the upgrade and sealing of 13.5 kilometres of Clifton Road, replacing a bridge over the Mooki River at Breeza, and construction of a new culvert at the Werris Creek crossing.
Cr Chaffey and Mr Anderson also announced today funding had been secured from both the State and Federal governments for replacement of the Orange Grove Road bridge.
Cr Chaffey said Council was delighted to be allocated funding through the NSW Fixing Country Bridges Program funding and the Federal Bridge Renewal Program to replace Gunnedah’s last remaining timber bridge at a cost of about $1.2 million. The remainder will be met by Gunnedah Shire Council.
“The Orange Grove Road bridge was built in 1929 and has done well to survive the incredible changes in population and the transport industry over that time,” Cr Chaffey said.
“It is deteriorating and a load limit is currently in place, limiting use of the road by heavier vehicles. Council thanks our local State and Federal members, who have worked with us to make this project possible.”
Mr Coulton said this was a great example of multiple levels of governments working together to deliver key infrastructure projects.
“This vital bridge upgrade will improve safety and connectivity for local road users, freight operators and farmers,” Mr Coulton said.
“The Federal Government is committed to investing in infrastructure projects which will provide local jobs to help boost our economy as we continue to recover from COVID-19.”
The Orange Grove Road bridge replacement is expected to be completed in the first half of 2022.
Caption: Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson on site for the start of work at Clifton Road.
Caption 2: Gunnedah Shire Council General Manager Eric Groth, Gunnedah Shire Councillors Rob Hooke, Owen Hasler and John Campbell, Council Director Infrastructure Services Jeremy Bartlett, Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson and Gunnedah Mayor Kevin Anderson.
ENDS
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