NSW Labor has pledged to spend more than $44 million on road repairs and upgrades across the Upper Hunter if the party is elected to government this month.
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It will include $23.5 million for urgent road upgrades across Muswellbook, Singleton, Dungog and Upper Hunter local government areas plus more than $20.5 million through Labor's new Emergency Road Repairs Fund to address the electorate's road maintenance backlog.
"The condition of the roads in the Upper Hunter are the result of a Liberal National Government that has failed to deliver for regional communities," Labor candidate for the Upper Hunter, Peree Watson, said.
"I've heard stories of people having to replace tyres roadside, of trucking companies having vehicles off the roads for major repairs, or businesses in small towns missing out because travellers are simply avoiding driving on their road.
"The Nationals have delivered nothing but disappointment for the residents of the Upper Hunter."
Maitland MP and shadow minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison met with shadow minister for Roads John Graham and Ms Watson at Melville Ford Bridge on Thursday, March 9 to announce the funding.
Labor's $23.5 million road upgrade package will include:
- $12 million towards the improving the Golden Highway, particularly around Merriwa where the roads are congested due to the Central West and Orana Renewable Energy Zone
- $3 million towards an historic 10 year co-funding agreement with Dungog Council
- $6 million for upgrading of Melville Ford Road and Maitland Vale Road
- $2.5 million to replace Melville Ford timber bridge.
Labor is also pledging to provide more than $1.5 million in additional road funding to Muswellbrook Council, $2.2 million to Singleton Shire Council, $1.8 million to Dungog Shire Council, $4.3 million to Upper Hunter Shire Council, $8.9 million to Mid-Coast Council and $1.8 million to Maitland City Council from its new Emergency Road Repairs Fund.
The fund comprises of $280 million from the Coalition's existing regional pothole repair program, a $193 million reallocation from the government's "failed" reclassification scheme and $197 million in new money.
Mr Graham added that Labor's focus was supporting councils to fix regional roads.
"For the last 12 years, the Liberals have overseen billions of dollars of spending on toll roads in Sydney at the expense of roads in the regions," he said.
"Labor is committed to supporting councils to fix the local roads that people use every day to get to work, get the kids to school or get to medical appointments. We will prioritise local roads over toll roads."
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
