SINGLETON mayor Sue Moore believes motorists and the local economy will benefit from Wednesday's announcement of $4.25 million to improve roads in the shire.
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NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro visited the town this week to fulfil his commitment to find an alternative source for the NSW Government's half of the $8.5 million Singleton Roads Upgrade program, after council's application was unsuccessful under the Resources for Regions program.
Joined by Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen, Mr Barilaro said the shovel-ready roads initiative was a credit to council to make an immediate economic impact for the benefit of the local community.
Cr Moore said it was a relief the Roads Upgrade program - which included four projects: Glendonbrook Road rehabilitation, Elderslie Road Bridge Approach upgrade, Cessnock Road Bridge widening, and Moses Crossing Bridge Approach upgrade - was now a certainty.
"These are improvements that will improve the efficiency of the road network and safety to benefit farmers as well as miners who use these roads every day," she explained.
"Council was sorely disappointed this project missed out under Resources for Regions.
"We are pleased the Deputy Premier delivered on his promise to find an alternative source for these important road projects.
"We have also had ongoing discussions with Mr Barilaro regarding the future of the Resources for Regions program and look forward to seeing the outcome of the review to the program in the near future.
"Council's commitment is to the people of Singleton.
"We are working hard to make sure our community is appropriately recognised for the economic contribution we make to the state of NSW."
General manager Jason Linnane said design work would begin straight away now that funding had been secured to deliver the four projects under the Roads Upgrade program.
"Council has already committed $10.42 million to roads in this year's Capital Works program, and we are always looking for additional means to deliver more for our community," he added.
"The funding is a significant boon for us because it means we can now add these roads to our works program for the benefit of everyone who drives on our local roads in Singleton."
