The Federal Government has announced a significant $5 million investment into the upgrade of Terry Hie Hie Road under the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program (SLRIP).
This funding will help enhance our local road network, ensuring safer, more reliable transport routes for residents, businesses and emergency services.
Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Local Government Minister Catherine King made the announcement, marking a significant investment in the ongoing improvement of road networks across rural Australia.
Mayor Susannah Pearse welcomed the funding.
“Our road network is extensive, and we need all the external funding we can get. This is a huge win, and we look forward to more announcements like these, supporting rural Australia in the lead-up to the election.” said Pearse.
The funding, combined with an additional $1.25 million from Moree Plains Shire Council, will allow for the upgrading and bitumen sealing of 4.9km of the Terry Hie Hie Road (SR101) north of the Gwydir/Moree Plains Shire boundary. The project commencing in the 2025/26 financial year will incorporate an 8-meter-wide sealed surfaces, culverts and other critical road infrastructure improvements.
These upgrades will significantly improve connectivity and ensure reliable access for local communities and services. By improving the road network, the project will provide better links between the North West and New England regions, enhancing economic opportunities and quality of life for residents of the Moree Plains and surrounding areas.
Of the 235km between Moree and Tamworth on this most direct route, currently 12 km remains unsealed. All of the unsealed section of this route sits within Moree Plains Shire, and once completely sealed, this direct route will save around 25 minutes journey time between Moree and Tamworth compared to the alternative less direct route via Narrabri.
The project will be completed in stages, with future works including improvements to bridge structures and the sealing of additional sections of the road. These efforts align with Council’s long-term vision to support the delivery of improved, safer and more productive roads across our Shire.
Moree Plains Shire Council was one of 14 new projects under the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program (SLRIP) to receive funding in New South Wales.
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