Motorists moving through the Dubbo electorate will now benefit from a brand new overtaking lane at Medway, north of Dubbo, with a pair of overtaking lanes also now open at Dustys Creek north of Gilgandra.

This is great news for the many families, tourists and freight operators who travel along this highway, passing through local towns, and supporting local economies as they often stop for something to eat or even stay overnight. These lanes have opened in time for Christmas, helping families connect more safely and efficiently during this holiday period!

I was pleased to be joined by the Minister for Regional Roads and Transport Paul Toole on Monday to view the new infrastructure, which has been delivered in half the usual timeframe thanks to a terrific partnership between Transport for NSW and the Newell Highway Alliance. This partnership maximised the opportunities for local contractors and suppliers to work on infrastructure improvements along the highway, with more than 100 local and regional businesses already benefitting from the program.

A drought emergency project to pump out the remnant water left in Burrendong Dam will create jobs and boost the local economy while extending the availability of dam water for towns and critical human needs in the Macquarie valley. Last week I was pleased to announce Seymour Whyte had been awarded the $6.7million contract to construct the pumping station, coffer dam, and electrical systems to extract water from the storage should the dam's water level fall below the outlet valve next year.

Excitingly, Seymour Whyte has confirmed they will employ up to a dozen local contractors and purchase locally available equipment and materials where possible to deliver the project, with construction due for completion in February 2020.

I welcome the news that this project will generate jobs and timely economic benefit in local communities through the use of local contractors, the purchase of those materials that are locally accessible and the additional expenditure on hospitality and other consumer goods while the work takes place.

The Dubbo Hospital redevelopment is set to take on a global flavour, with world-renowned artist Fintan Magee commissioned to produce two large-scale murals on external walls of the site.

Fintan is consulting with local artists, hospital staff and Aboriginal elders for inspiration for the mural designs, which will focus on native bush foods and the role they play in health and the community.