Tamworth residents, commuters, farmers and tourists are continuing to face traffic congestion and safety concerns as delays drag on for two major road upgrades, Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson says.
Anderson said the community had waited long enough for work to begin on the $58 million Goonoo Goonoo Road duplication and the $25 million Port Stephens Cutting upgrade.
“Goonoo Goonoo Road is the gateway to Tamworth, and Port Stephens Cutting is a vital connection for tourists to our region, and for farmers who regularly use the road to get to and from Tamworth,” Anderson said.
“Right now, the stretch from Jack Smyth Drive to Calala Lane is single lane. Our population is growing, and traffic is increasing. This upgrade needs to happen to smooth the flow of traffic and make the entrance to our city something we can be proud of.
“Port Stephens Cutting is another road that is in desperate need of an upgrade. The hairpin turns on that road need to be eased so that residents and truck drivers can get up and down the cutting safely. The Federal Labor Government have been holding up funding on that project for nearly four years which is unacceptable.
“Our community has had enough and I’m calling on the Labor Government to get moving on these critical road upgrades now.”
Mr Anderson said the delays were affecting everyday people across the region, with growing traffic volumes creating frustration for local drivers and ongoing safety concerns for heavy vehicle operators and visitors travelling through the area.
He raised the issue in parliament, highlighting:
- a nine-month wait for any update on the $58.4 million Goonoo Goonoo Road duplication;
- no update on the $25 million Port Stephens Cutting upgrade since Labor was elected three years ago;
- concerns regional NSW road projects were being overlooked; and
- calls for construction to begin as soon as possible on both projects
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