There's $6 million allocated in the 2021 Federal Budget to fix two roads in New England that are deemed vital transport routes, Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce announced.
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The bigger spend is $4.48 million to upgrade Bald Nob Road between the New England Highway and the Gwydir Highway, north of Glen Innes. It involves the rehabilitation of approximately eight kilometres of pavement and safety improvements, such as widening and realignment.
Another $1.52 million will upgrade Sunnyside Platform Road, north of Tenterfield. The two-kilometres link between the New England and Bruxner Highways will be widened, along with remediating failed pavement, providing a pavement overlay, new seal and line marking.
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It's expected the upgrades to Bald Nob and Sunnyside Platform Roads will start in mid-2021.
Mr Joyce said these projects will make local roads safer and reduce travel times for motorists and farmers.
"It's estimated that 10 direct and indirect jobs will be supported because of the upgrades to Bald Nob and Sunnyside Platform Roads. Then there's the economic benefit of moving freight more efficiently from local farms to markets."
The $6 million is provided through the Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) programme and targets upgrades along the Tenterfield to Newcastle corridor for which the Coalition Government has allocated $140 million.
Mr Joyce said the Australian Government looks forward to working constructively with the NSW Government to deliver this infrastructure, supporting New England jobs and businesses.
