Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced a $570 million infrastructure package for NSW, including the acceleration of $530 million in federal funding across three major regional projects.
The announcement follows similar moves in Queensland and Western Australia, with a total of $3.8 billion in infrastructure spending brought forward in a bid to prop up the economy.
Mr. Morison said $212 million of the new package would be spent in the next 18 months.
“This is a key part of our plan for a stronger economy, and our pipeline of $100 billion worth of congestion-busting roads and rail,” Mr. Morrison said.
“We’re also injecting $20 million in extra funding for the final link of the vital Pacific Highway upgrade, and we’ve locked in $8.8 million for the Brig O’Johnston Bridge project at Clarence Town and $7.9 million for the Davey Road Interchange in Albury.”
Infrastructure Minister Michael McCormack said the Australian Government was also investing heavily in key roads in regional NSW.
“That is why we are bringing forward $185 million for the Toowoomba to Seymour corridor under the Roads of Strategic Importance initiative, with significant funding already allocated to stage two of the Newell Highway’s Mungle Back Creek to Boggabilla project and $23 million allocated to the upgrade and sealing of priority sections of Tooraweenah Road,” Mr. McCormack said.
“We are also accelerating a $200 million investment in the Newell Highway to support construction of the Parkes Bypass and the delivery of Inland Rail, as well as $145 million for the Princes Highway corridor, including the Milton-Ulladulla Bypass.”
NSW Transport and Roads Minister Andrew Constance welcomed the deal.
“Across the state, $55.6 billion is being invested in transport and roads infrastructure over the next four years, and we are pleased to be able to accelerate the delivery of some of the highest priority projects thanks to the Federal Government’s support,” Mr. Constance said.
Project funding brought forward:
$185 million for the $300 million Toowoomba to Seymour (NSW section) Roads of Strategic Importance package
$200 million for the $400 million Newell Highway Upgrades package
$145 million for the $500 million Princes Highway Corridor (NSW) package
Additional funding:
$20 million for the Pacific Highway Woolgoolga to Ballina project
$4 million for the $20 million Dixons Long Point Crossing project
Confirmed funding:
$8.8 million for the Brig O’Johnston Bridge project
$7.9 million for the Davey Road Interchange project
Related stories:
- NSW budget makes record commitment to infrastructure
- The 30-minute city: Andrew Constance
- NSW and VIC lead the nation’s infrastructure funding