A $181 million pavement upgrade for the Newell Highway north of Moree has been welcomed by Moree Plains Shire Council Mayor Susannah Pearse, who says the freight corridor is critical not just to the shire but to the nation.
“This is terrific news for the Moree Plains! The Newell Hwy is not only critical to the functioning of our shire, but also to the nation’s productivity,” Mayor Pearse said.
“If the Newell stops, the nation stops.”
The Australian and NSW governments will jointly fund the 14.9-kilometre project, which will deliver a new heavy-duty pavement and a range of safety upgrades along a stretch of highway with a history of crashes. The Australian Government is contributing $144.8 million, with the NSW Government providing the remaining $36.2 million.
Early work is expected to start by mid-2027, with a construction contract to be awarded in 2028.
The upgrade will include wider lanes, shoulders and centreline spacing, upgraded intersections and protected right-turn lanes, improved drainage and flood resilience, safer property access, and upgraded bus stops.
“The Moree Plains is the agricultural heart of Australia, growing 2 million tonnes of wheat alone in 2024-25. But we can only grow it, if we can move it,” Mayor Pearse said.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said the Newell Highway carried heavy volumes of traffic every day.
“The Newell Highway is a major inland regional route that is used by thousands of locals, tourists and key freight operators every day,” she said.
“With a history of crashes along the highway, this project will deliver wider lanes and upgraded intersections to improve safety and ensure all Australians can return home safely.”
Minister King said the upgrade reflected a broader partnership between the two levels of government.
“The Albanese Government is proud to be working with the NSW Government to deliver this much-needed upgrade on the Newell Highway.”
The project is the next stage of heavy-duty pavement work on the Newell Highway, following the completed upgrade between Narrabri and Moree in 2025, the North Croppa safety upgrade in 2024, and ongoing work at Tackinbri and South Croppa. Work is also underway on the twin Tycannah rest areas south of Moree, improving access to heavy vehicle rest facilities.
Together, the projects will provide continuous upgraded pavement and improved heavy vehicle rest facilities along the Newell Highway from Narrabri to Boggabilla.
NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said the upgrade was a practical investment in the corridor.
“The Minns Labor Government is focused on delivering practical upgrades that make a real difference for communities, and this project is exactly that,” Minister Aitchison said.
“The Newell Highway is one of the state’s most important regional corridors, supporting freight, tourism and local travel between Victoria and Queensland.”
“These upgrades target some of the most important sections of the Newell Highway to deliver real safety improvements for the people who rely on it every day.”
“Once complete, these works will deliver safer, more reliable journeys and help people get home sooner and more safely to family and friends.”
Mayor Pearse said the council thanked both governments for their ongoing investment in the shire.
“We greatly thank the Australian and NSW Governments for their continued investment in the safety, liveability and productivity of our shire and region,” she said.
“We look forward to welcoming the Ministers in our shire to turn the sod on this vital project.”
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