Work has begun on the duplication of Goonoo Goonoo Road between Jack Smyth Drive and Calala Lane in Tamworth.
Federal Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, said today’s commencement of early works on the upgrading of Goonoo Goonoo Road on Tamworth’s southern entrance is the culmination of many years of hard work to secure the funds for the essential work.
“In December 2021, I was delighted to announce the former Federal Coalition Government’s contribution of $32 million to this major project in my then capacity as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development. “
“I am greatly relieved that after several months of lobbying the current Federal Government, which included my representations and a Question in Writing to the Minister, that the Federal money is still on the table for this much needed upgrade,” Mr Joyce said.
The important road safety upgrade is on one of the city’s busiest roads used by around 20,000 motorists each day. The work will make the road two lanes in both direction, and convert the busy Calala Lane roundabout to traffic lights.
“This project will vastly improve safety along Tamworth’s southern entrance, as well as access to the city’s entertainment, sporting and equestrian precinct, and will provide a much more attractive entrance to Tamworth.”
“As I highlighted in 2021, as you drive into Tamworth, you see it’s not only on a good road, you see the other things we’ve invested in, such as the Northern Inland Centre of Sporting Excellence and the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre,” Mr Joyce said.
Mr Joyce congratulated Nationals Member for Tamworth, Kevin Anderson, for securing the NSW Government’s $8 million contribution towards the project.
“I know that Kevin has worked incredibly hard to secure the State’s contribution to the Goonoo Goonoo Road upgrade and this is another example of his tireless commitment to representing the needs and concerns of the people of the Tamworth Electorate in the NSW Parliament,” Mr Joyce said.
“I commend Tamworth Regional Council and Mayor Russell Webb upon Council’s commitment to this important upgrade which will provide enormous safety, economic, development, social and other benefits in our region.”
The early works commencing in March will see a new shared footpath constructed on the western side of Goonoo Goonoo Road with major works expected to start in 2024 and the project due for completion in early 2027.
Have something to say about this story? Submit your own opinion piece, or quick word, to The Net.