More regional communities are set to benefit thanks to the NSW Nationals in the state and federal government, with Round 2 of the accelerated Fixing Local Roads program.
The NSW Nationals in the federal government committed $191 million in June to build on the NSW Nationals in the state government’s $500 million Fixing Local Roads program, ensuring even more regional communities benefit faster.
Deputy Prime Minister and federal Nationals leader Michael McCormack said the NSW Nationals in the federal government’s commitment would ensure that more local road projects were delivered to create more local employment.
“We’ve already seen $243.6 million of joint funding go towards 253 shovel-ready projects in 84 Local Government Areas in the first round of funding and this latest round will see another $136.4 million injected into regional New South Wales to generate more jobs and stimulate local economies,” Mr McCormack said.
“This is money for small projects that make a big difference in people’s everyday lives right across regional New South Wales.
“It will mean smoother, safer trips to school, work or even the shops and most importantly, it will create much-needed jobs in hundreds of communities.”
Building for the regions
NSW Nationals deputy leader and Regional Transport Minister Paul Toole said the program marked a major investment in the roads that regional communities use every day.
“We know how much better roads mean in the bush – and projects like these will be key to helping regional communities recover from the impact of bushfires, drought and the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Toole said.
“This round will prioritise projects that are shovel-ready and can start in the next six months because we know regional communities need this investment and job creation right now.
“Communities are already starting to see projects from Round 1 commence around the state, and they can expect to see even more in the coming months as we continue to turbocharge this initiative.”
Projects will need to start this financial year and be delivered within two years, to ensure local communities see the benefits as quickly as possible.
