Nationals Senator for NSW Perin Davey said today’s pre-budget infrastructure announcement regarding the new $700 million bypass, is further proof the Nationals in Government believe Singleton and surrounding areas are a vital component in helping the national economy recover post Covid-19.
Senator Davey said roads in the Hunter Region will be safer and thousands of jobs created following the announcement of the Singleton Bypass, due to be constructed on the New England Highway.
“Infrastructure projects such as these are incredibly important for the regions,” Senator Davey said.
“The bypass will ensure residents get home sooner and safer, whilst also delivering more jobs locally.”
“Today’s announcement is another crucial step the Morrison-McCormack Government is taking in mapping out our economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“This project is expected to support 1370 direct and indirect jobs, it is due to start in mid 2023 and be finished by late 2026.”
“The Federal Government have committed $560 million to the project while the New South Wales Government will contribute $140 million in total.”
The bypass will improve traffic flow, travel times and safety through Singleton town centre by reducing traffic including heavy freight.
The New England Highway currently carries around 26,000 vehicles, including more than 3,700 heavy vehicles, through the centre of Singleton each day.
The announcement is part of a $2.7 billion investment into transport infrastructure from the Federal Coalition as part of our COVID-19 economic recovery plan.
The latest funding injection builds on a series of statewide infrastructure investments from the Commonwealth in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic which now total more than $5 billion.
Other key investments for New South Wales include $360 million for the Newcastle Inner City Bypass between Rankin Park and Jesmond; $120 million for the Prospect Highway Upgrade; and an additional $491 million for the Coffs Harbour Bypass taking our total contribution to $1.5 billion.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Tuesday’s Federal Budget would deliver funding for infrastructure which supports the Government’s JobMaker plan and help New South Wales recover from COVID-19.
“We have been working closely with state and territory governments to invest in the infrastructure that is ready to go and can help rebuild our economy and create more jobs,” the Prime Minister said.
“These projects will keep commuters safe on the road, get people home to their loved ones sooner and provide better transport links for urban and regional communities.”
“As part of the COVID-19 economic recovery plan we have invested an additional $5 billion focused on shovel-ready projects across the state.
“This latest investment will provide another boost to the local economy and is part of our plan to support an estimated 8,000 direct and indirect jobs across the state.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Government is focused on delivering priorities and boosting local jobs as part of Australia’s road to recovery.
“We will draw on local businesses to stimulate local economies through these projects,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“Infrastructure means jobs, it means livelihoods, it means stronger local communities and it means building a better and more secure future for our nation.”
Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the Government was driving the delivery of major infrastructure projects in NSW to help on the economic road back from the pandemic.
“Our investment in NSW will help build the State economy, provide jobs right now and give business the certainty it needs in the long term,” Mr Tudge said.
“Key investments across NSW include $560 million for the New England Highway bypass of Singleton and $1.5 billion for the Coffs Harbour Bypass, which includes additional funding in the 2020–21 Budget of $491 million to maximise the benefits of this game-changing project for the community.”
“We will continue our commitment to NSW in the coming years, through projects such as the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport and new congestion-busting upgrades such as $360 million for a Newcastle Inner City Bypass from Rankin Park to Jesmond and $120 million to upgrade Prospect Highway in Western Sydney.”
Since being elected in 2013 the Liberal and Nationals Government have committed more than $39 billion for infrastructure in New South Wales.
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