DEPUTY Prime Minister and Member for New England Barnaby Joyce says a re-elected Coalition Government will inject a further $20 million into the Scone Bypass project.
Mr Joyce was joined by NSW Minister for Roads and Freight, Duncan Gay, who also pledged an extra $10 million to help fast track the design and construction of the bypass.
The announcement took place at Elizabeth Park, Scone, on Monday morning.
Mr Joyce said the extra $30 million towards the bypass would enable construction to start on the Scone Bypass in 2018.
“What this means is that there will be access both to the north and the south, and at St Aubins Street, to the bypass,” he said.
“It means there will be $30 million on the table to progress the bypass.
“I heard the concerns of the people last time and the only solution was to find more money, and that’s exactly what I did.
“It shows the difference between people who say they are going to fight for things and people who actually find the money and deliver on things.
“I go into bat hard and I come out with outcomes.”
Mr Gay said after exhaustive community consultation, NSW Roads and Maritime Services had developed a more advanced option with an increased price tag at $120 million.
“Barnaby said he could fund an extra $20 million from the Australian Roads Black Spot Programme if I could find another $10 million, which I was happy to provide,” Mr Gay said.
Mr Joyce said he was always working hard on plans for transport and water infrastructure – and the New England Highway had a growing reputation as a corridor of commerce.
“I am pleased that I can go into bat for my newest constituents in the New England Electorate and to ensure I can lobby for the funding that will not only give Scone an important piece of road infrastructure, but provide benefit to the whole region,” he said.
