PORT Macquarie MP Leslie Williams has called for expressions of interest from Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and Greater Taree City Council for Fixing Country Roads – a $37.5 million Restart NSW initiative targeted at improving our local roads, connecting our towns and unlocking our economic potential.
“With the volume of freight forecast to nearly double over the next 20 years, this initiative complements what is already underway in regional NSW, and targets roads and bridges in local communities to make sure our transport and freight network supports regional producers, growers and business,” Ms Williams said.
“More than 100 regional councils are eligible to apply, including Port Macquarie-Hastings and Greater Taree City Councils in my electorate.
“Fixing roads is such an important issue locally. In fact earlier this week I met with a number of councillors from Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and this morning I am meeting with Greater Taree City Council, and roads are front and centre of the discussions.”
Ms Williams said this was great news for regional NSW, and for the people of the Port Macquarie electorate.
“Regional NSW has been looking forward to more infrastructure funding, and programs such as Fixing Country Roads – Local Roads and Bridges are essential for local towns to grow and prosper,” she said.
“Fixing country bridges and roads will mean significantly fewer vehicle movements through country towns and provide councils and communities with much needed capital for the development of infrastructure projects to suit their unique local conditions.
“Industry support and collaboration is particularly important, and I call upon local industry bodies to assist councils with access to key data, including business needs analysis, freight movements, co-contribution and operating limitations.
“Priority will be given to local projects that are well developed, with planning and environmental approvals well advanced so construction can begin in the 2014/15 financial year.”
