McCORMACK SAYS TIME HAS COME FOR PARKES BYPASS

RIVERINA Nationals’ MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack has today confirmed that a re-elected Liberal and Nationals’ Government will deliver the long-awaited Parkes Bypass.

“The Parkes Bypass has been on everyone’s lips for many years now, and I want to see it become a reality with up to $100 million today committed by the Liberal and Nationals Government,” Mr McCormack said.

“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.”

Mr McCormack said the $125 million project would be delivered in partnership with the New South Wales Government.

“Only a Liberal and Nationals Government can be trusted to deliver for New South Wales because we have a plan for a stronger economy and can manage the budget without forcing new taxes on hardworking families,” Mr McCormack said.

“In New South Wales we are able to deliver on these projects because we work in close partnership with the State Liberal and Nationals’ Government who share our vision for a quality infrastructure program that supports a strong economy.”

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.

“The final design of the bypass will identify how best to best to integrate with Inland Rail intermodal hubs, which are so exciting for the economic development of the Parkes region,” Mr McCormack said.

Mr McCormack said this project had been identified as an initial priority under the Newell Highway Strategy.

“The Newell Highway is the longest highway in New South Wales, and provides a major freight and passenger transport connection to Victoria and Queensland,” Mr McCormack said.

“Many towns, farmers and small businesses throughout the Central West, Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area and western NSW rely on the Newell to connect product from paddock to plate, as well as providing a vital economic boost to communities along the highway.

“We want to work with communities along the Newell to see how we can ensure it continues to be the lifeblood of the region, as well as ensuring those who use it can get home sooner and safer.”

Mr McCormack said work on the Newell Highway Corridor Strategy continues and it will identify further priority road upgrades along the full length of the highway in New South Wales.

“The study is identifying and prioritising key upgrades which increase productivity for freight operators and improve safety for all road users,” Mr McCormack said.

“I would like to thank Bland Shire Councillor Tony Lord and Moree Plains Shire Mayor Katrina Humphries for their work so far on the Newell Highway Strategy, and everyone else involved, including those in the community contributing to the consultation process.”

In the most recent Budget, $400 million was allocated to the Newell Highway Upgrade program and a further $510 million for key corridor improvements, including feeder roads, between Toowoomba and Seymour under the Roads of Strategic Importance initiative.

The Liberals and Nationals will provide 80 per cent of the funding required to construct the Parkes Bypass.

More information on the Newell Highway Strategy can be found at https://minister.infrastructure.gov.au/mccormack/releases/2019/february/mm026_2019.aspx.