THE NEWELL, Golden and Great Western highways would be improved under a NSW government proposal to direct $6 billion into regional infrastructure through its $20 billion plan for Rebuilding NSW.
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Deputy Premier Troy Grant said Rebuilding NSW was a once-in-a-generation chance to invest in infrastructure in regional areas that needed it most.
"By reserving $3.7 billion... for roads projects, we will support local workforces and the movement of high productivity vehicles," he said.
"With the amount of freight travelling in NSW almost set to double by 2031, $2 billion will be reserved for a Regional Road Freight Corridor Program for upgrades on the Newell Highway. We'll also pursue strategies for the Golden, New England and Great Western highways."
The National Roads and Motorists Association (NRMA) director for western NSW Graham Blight welcomed the substantial funding for regional transport included in the strategy.
"Western NSW has waited long enough for the type of substantial investment in its roads and rail - what's important now is that we make these ideas reality," he said.
"The extra $4.1 billion investment in regional roads and rail will not just help save lives but will also ensure a more efficient and cost-effective delivery of goods and services across the state. Also, the additional $500 million earmarked for the Newell Highway will build on improvements made to the highway in recent years."
Other local highlights of the strategy included securing and improving water supplies for communities on river systems including the Macquarie. Cobar had been identified as a priority drought-affected destination to deliver a long-term water solution. The government had accepted all the recommendations for regional NSW outlined in Infrastructure NSW's updated State Infrastructure Strategy, Mr Grant said. This included $3.7 billion for regional roads and bridges, $1 billion for water security projects, $400 million for country rail, $300 million to accelerate regional health projects, $300 million for regional school renewals and $300 million for regional tourism and environment projects.
The Central West Orana and Far West NSW Business Chamber said regional NSW would receive a fair share of the proceeds of the proposed "poles and wires" lease. It had argued leasing the state's electricity assets was the best way to accelerate delivery of essential infrastructure projects without risking the budget bottom line.
