18 June 2019

Regional NSW will benefit from safer and more efficient road, rail and freight networks thanks to unprecedented investment, as part of the NSW Government’s 2019-20 Budget.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the NSW Government was ensuring the regions continued to see the infrastructure projects they need and want delivered.

“This Budget builds upon years of regional investment, with even more happening in the bush than ever before,” Mr Toole said.

“We’re getting on with the job of upgrading key routes across the State including the Princes, Pacific, Great Western, Newell, Cobb and Silver City highways, providing major economic benefits, as well as safer and more efficient journeys.

“Public transport services in regional NSW are also receiving a significant boost, with significant investment in the new regional rail fleet, including a new purpose-built maintenance facility in Dubbo, along with new bus services for local communities.”

Mr Toole said some of the highlights from the 2019-20 Budget included:

• $1.5 billion over four years for the Pacific Highway upgrade program towards completion of the Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade which is on track to progressively open to traffic in 2020, and to progress the Coffs Harbour bypass,
• $1.2 billion over four years to continue work on existing Princes Highway projects, including the Albion Park Rail bypass, the Berry to Bomaderry Upgrade, the new Nowra Bridge, and the Batemans Bay replacement bridge. Additionally, there is a further $322 million over four years, as part of the Government’s commitment to upgrade the Princes Highway between Nowra and the Victorian
• Commence work to duplicate the 31-kilometre section of the Great Western Highway between Katoomba and Lithgow, delivering a safer, faster trip over the mountains,
• $44.3 million to continue sealing the most remote highways in NSW, the Silver City and Cobb Highways,
• $145 million for upgrades on the Newell Highway, including overtaking lanes, pavement upgrades,
• $38 million to progress the new Regional Rail Fleet including construction of a rail maintenance facility in Dubbo,
• $373 million to improve road safety including a significant increase in investment through the Road Safety Plan 2021 targeting high risk areas with a regional
• Start of the $250 Seniors Travel Card in January

“I am excited for those who live in regional and rural NSW as we unlock our capacity by investing in infrastructure that responds to the needs of today and prepares for future growth,” Mr Toole said.

“We will also start rolling out funding to fix local roads and timber bridges as part of a $1 billion investment in improving these key connections for local communities.”