The Commonwealth Government’s decision to allocate $150 million to the upgrade of the Barton Highway has attracted widespread support from local representatives and Ministers at the State and Federal level.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Michael McCormack said the funding was part of an initiative to upgrade key freight corridors in regional Australia and increase productivity by connecting major agricultural and resource areas to cities and ports.
“This new funding builds on our $50 million commitment, which is progressing duplication from the ACT border west towards Murrumbateman,” Mr McCormack said.
Federal Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government, John McVeigh said the Barton Highway was a key connector for regional communities with the ACT.
“We are also working closely with the NSW and ACT Governments and Local Councils to progress priority upgrades, which will be informed by the Barton Highway Duplication Business Case due later this year,” Dr McVeigh said.
NSW Minister for Roads, Melina Pavey said the section of Highway between Yass and the ACT border was notorious for crashes over the years and the new funding was very welcome.
Senator for NSW, Jim Molan said work had already begun on tree trimming, adjustments to existing line marking and installation of updated road signs and safety barriers as part of the existing Barton Highway Improvement Strategy.
“Importantly, residents, farmers and other key stakeholders are being kept informed during the planning and construction process,” Senator Molan said.
State MP for Goulburn, Pru Goward said all levels of Government working together had helped secure the progress to date and the Mayor of Yass Valley Council, Rowena Abbey said the Council would be working closely with the Australian and NSW Governments throughout the entire development.
The Barton Highway is largely in the Federal electorate of Eden-Monaro.
