Member for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell has welcomed today’s announcement that federal government funding has now been secured for the $48 million repair of MR358 between Merriwa and Willow Tree.
“I have called for common sense to prevail throughout the long campaign to lock-in the finances so the work can finally take place because Upper Hunter Shire Council needed extra assistance to undertake this expensive repair,” Mr Layzell said.
“I am so pleased the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, appreciated the need to restore the direct regional road link between the Upper Hunter and the Liverpool Plains.”
MR358, which is also known as the Merriwa-Willow Tree Road and Coulsons Creek Road, was closed to traffic in January 2021 when cracking developed following a major upgrade.
The previous Nationals and Liberals federal governments had committed $38 million in May last year for the work with the Nationals and Liberals NSW Government to contribute $9.6 million to the project.
Whilst, the Minns NSW Government agreed to deliver the state funding, the project has been delayed awaiting confirmation of the federal money.
“I have spoken many times in the NSW Parliament over the past two years about the need for the Commonwealth and the State Governments to help Upper Hunter Shire Council to get this road re-opened ASAP,” Mr Layzell said.
“The closure has impacted the lives of people who need to travel to Tamworth for medical treatment and the financial viability of local farmers who have had to shoulder increased costs for their businesses.
“I cannot stress how important it is to get this work done and completed to the required standard which delivers the heavy vehicle safety improvements that were originally intended by this project.”
PICTURE CAPTION: File photos - Dave Layzell with Upper Hunter Mayor Cr Maurice Collison and UHSC General Manager Greg McDonald inspecting the road damage in July 2021.
