It was fantastic to get a first-hand update of the progress of the Inland Rail Narrabri to North Star section during a tour of the works near Gurley last week.
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It's exciting to see so much activity happening along the rail line, with crews working to complete this section before harvest.
Since construction commenced just over 100 days ago, more than 80km of track has been stripped, more than 103,300 timber, steel and concrete sleepers have been removed, five bridges have been demolished and one completed, 1,118 culvert precast segments have been installed, 17,587 sleepers have been installed, 9,899 metres of new rail has been installed, and eight level crossing upgrades will be completed by the end of the month.
So far more than 160 locals have been employed and 110 local businesses have supplied to the project which is fantastic, providing a welcome economic boost to the communities of Narrabri, Bellata, Moree and North Star at a time when it's most needed.
Inland Rail is a game-changer for regional Australia and the whole country, and I look forward to seeing it progress further.
Purlewaugh Road set for upgrade
The Purlewaugh Road has been given the green light for a major upgrade, with the Federal Government contributing $2.4 million for the project through the Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) initiative.
The $3 million upgrade is being jointly funded with Warrumbungle Shire Council to facilitate road train access to major business sites in the Hunter Valley.
The project will deliver approximately 10 kilometres of upgrades to two separate sections of Purlewaugh Road which will provide a safer connection for motorists travelling between Coonabarabran and Quirindi
This investment is part of a broader commitment to deliver targeted upgrades along the Toowoomba to Seymour corridor, including the Newell Highway, which contributes to the competitiveness of Australia's agriculture and mining sectors.
Inland Rail is a game-changer for regional Australia and the whole country, and I look forward to seeing it progress further.
- Mark Coulton
Construction is due to get underway by the end of this year.
More information on the ROSI initiative is available at: https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/key_projects/initiatives/roads_strategic_importance.aspx.
Boost for Driver Reviver sites
Last week I was pleased to announce that five roadside rest areas in the Parkes electorate will be upgraded to help combat driver fatigue and make local roads safer, thanks to $487,829 in funding under the Federal Government's Driver Reviver Site Upgrade Program.
A total of $130,014 has been provided to Trangie Local Aboriginal Land Council for additional toilet facilities at the Trangie Wungunja Cultural Centre.
Transport NSW has received $82,100 for a Driver Reviver sign upgrade at Coolah, as well as $82,100 for a Driver Reviver sign upgrade at Mendooran, and a further $42,050 for a Driver Reviver sign upgrade at 9441 Newell Highway, Coonabarabran.
The 9441 Newell Highway site at Coonabarabran will also undergo a community shelter upgrade with Warrumbungle Shire Council receiving $103,380.
Finally, Narromine Shire Council has received $48,185.10 to upgrade the Driver Reviver site at the Narromine Saleyards.
Anyone who has used a Driver Reviver site knows how vital a place they are for safety and fatigue breaks for drivers and their passengers, and we want to ensure they continue to be that reliable break spot for even more Australians well into the future.
That is why our Government is investing in these vital Driver Reviver upgrades that will help keep people safe on our roads.
This funding will also support our hard-working local volunteers who put in their time and effort to man our Driver Reviver sites, offering motorists a cuppa, friendly conversations and a nice spot to take a break to manage fatigue and reduce the risk of crashes.
