‘ROSI’ FUTURE FOR INLAND NSW FREIGHT ROUTE

THE Riverina will benefit from upgrades to key regional freight routes under the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government’s $3.5 billion Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) initiative.

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development and Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said through ROSI, the Government would invest $300 million in New South Wales of the $510 million commitment to upgrade the freight corridor between Toowoomba in Queensland and Seymour in Victoria.

“This is a huge investment that will support regional communities and jobs across three states, including right here in the Riverina,” Mr McCormack said.

“The Newell Highway is a 1,058-kilometre corridor of commerce and is one of the busiest freight highways in Australia. It is the longest highway in New South Wales.

“Not only is it a vital freight link, it is an important tourism link to the Riverina and Central West. You only have to take a short drive along the route to see how many drivers towing caravans use the thoroughfare to discover our wonderful part of the world.

“The Government wants to make sure this important transport corridor is fully maintained.

“Investments under ROSI will address pinch points and impediments to efficient freight movements along the corridor, improving travel times, better connecting communities and supporting the economy.

“Here in regional NSW, this investment will be informed by the Newell Highway Corridor Strategy, which is considering efficient outcomes in the movement of regional freight, challenges such as road safety and flooding, as well as the relationship between the Newell Highway and Inland Rail.”

Mr McCormack said ROSI was investing in the key freight corridors that connected primary agricultural areas and mining resource regions to ports, airports and other transport hubs.

“The Federal Liberal and Nationals Government has been working with State and Territory governments and industry to determine priorities, with today’s announcement a great example of the progress made,” he said.

“Noting the $300 million investment in New South Wales under the Government’s ROSI initiative, I call on the New South Wales Government to, at a minimum, contribute the equivalent of 20 per cent of the project value.

“This significant long-term investment will also contribute to a stronger economy through job creation and ensure opportunities are provided for small and medium-tier companies and their local workers.” 

More information on ROSI is available at https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/key_projects/initiatives/roads_strategic_importance.aspx.