Truck drivers travelling to and from businesses in the Lismore Industrial Precinct will have a faster and safer journey with new road and bridge infrastructure upgrades on the way thanks to the NSW Nationals in the state government’s Growing Local Economies fund.
NSW Nationals Member of the Legislative Council Ben Franklin announced the $10.5 million grant this week with Lismore mayor Isaac Smith.
Mr Franklin said the funding would allow Lismore City Council to begin work on a new linking road with a bridge and roundabout on Oliver Avenue, creating a more direct route for the thousands of heavy freight trucks making the trip to the industrial precinct every year.
“I’m thrilled to announce this funding which will improve truck driver safety on the road, reducing their time behind the wheel and helping logistics, freight and supply companies in the precinct to cut costs,” Mr Franklin said.
“The current entry to Lismore Industrial Precinct does not support a left hand turn for heavy vehicles, which means b-double truck drivers are required to travel past the precinct on Holland Street and make a U-turn at a high traffic intersection.
“These upgrades will create a practical entry and exit point and make it easier for businesses to conduct their day-to-day activities.”
Lismore mayor Isaac Smith welcomed the funding announcement saying it would create local jobs by unlocking the growth potential of the Goonellabah Industrial Precinct.
“This is a project that Lismore City Council has been developing for some time and will create more local jobs through the expansion of the Goonellabah Industrial Precinct by creating more flood-free land,” Cr Smith said.
“It will also improve road links to the Pacific Highway to ensure those businesses can more easily get their products to consumers across the nation.”
Investing in the regions
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said the $500 million Growing Local Economies Fund was delivering the infrastructure needed to improve productivity, expand business operations and boost employment.
“I congratulate and commend Lismore City Council, who are contributing $1.2 million to help deliver these essential road upgrades to back local businesses,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Our investment through the $1.7 billion Regional Growth Fund is creating jobs and boosting the confidence of investors interested in our key logistics, agriculture and manufacturing sectors across communities like Lismore.
“This is exactly what Growing Local Economies grants are designed to deliver for our regions, industries and communities.”
The Growing Local Economies Fund is part of the NSW Nationals in the state government’s commitment to the delivery of infrastructure projects which improve the economic growth and productivity of the state under Restart NSW.
