Up to $100 million will be put aside for the long-awaited Parkes Bypass if the Liberal and Nationals' Government is re-elected, that's the message Michael McCormack delivered while in town on Thursday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Riverina Nationals' MP and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said the Parkes Bypass has been on everyone's lips for many years.
"I want to see it become a reality with up to $100 million today committed by the Liberal and Nationals Government," Mr McCormack said.
"1400 trucks rattle through Parkes central business district every day and they expect that number to be increased to 3000 a day by 2030 - that's what this bypass will eliminate.
"I want to see greater freight efficiency and productivity, and I want to see improved amenity and safety for pedestrians and other road users in the Parkes centre.
"The bypass will allow heavy vehicles to avoid the town centre where intersections, as well as railway crossings, have a big impact on travel times and productivity.
"And most importantly it will help people get home sooner and safer."
Parkes Mayor Ken Keith OAM said the important thing about the announcement is that is gives security to the Roads and Maritime Services to now put their revised plans for the Parkes bypass on public display.
"There will now be a round of community consultation about how it will work and how we can make sure Parkes benefits from the bypass going forward," he said.
"The $125 million project will be delivered in partnership with the New South Wales Government and now we'll have a meeting with the Minister for Roads Paul Toole regarding their contribution."
As Chairman of the Newell Highway Taskforce Cr Keith said it's probably the start of a new era for the Newell Highway.
"We've been pushing to have it recognised as a road of strategic importance in the nation, it's the third busiest highway in Australia.
"With 80/20 funding the Newell will now fall in to that category which allows more work to be achieved along the highway, so we will be looking at addressing things like the flooding issue between Forbes and West Wyalong and further up north, and to have more overtaking lanes etc."
Consultation with the community will continue on the best design for the bypass, building on the Concept Design released by the New South Wales Government.
