The NSW Liberals and Nationals Government have stepped in to full election mode by committing more than $1 billion to fix the state's local roads, repair iconic timber bridges and reclaim up to 15,000 kilometres of council roads.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Liberal candidates for Maitland and Charlestown have welcomed the announcement, claiming it shows what the Liberals and Nationals can deliver for regional and rural communities.
Liberal candidate for Maitland, Sally Halliday, said if the Liberal National Government is successfully re-elected next month it will set in motion the process to transfer up to 15,000 kilometres of council owned roads back to the state – setting up an Independent Expert Panel to oversee the process.
For a community like Dungog whose roads have been on ongoing problem amid a lack of government funding, it is wonderful news.
“The $1 billion investment will allow us to clear maintenance backlogs for local roads, replace poor condition timber bridges and transfer ‘Regional Road Network’ local roads back to the state to allow them to be upgraded quicker,” said Mrs Halliday.
Liberal Candidate for Charlestown, Jennifer Barrie, said local roads were one of the most important issues for every community.
“Travelling around the electorate, one of the first things that people will tell you about is the state of their local roads – and there are roads all across this region that are clearly in need of an urgent repair,” said Ms Barrie.
“We can now help out the local ratepayers and councils by getting local roads fixed."
NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro said this commitment created a new legacy for the management of the local road network.
“This unprecedented funding commitment will change the face of road ownership in NSW and remove the heavy burden from our local ratepayers,” Mr Barilaro said.
“We want to create a safe and modern road network for our children and our grandchildren and many generations to come.”
