$10.23 million to seal part of County Boundary Road

Published on 25 January 2021

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormick joined Federal Member for Parks, Mark Coulton at Croppa Creek recently to announce an $8.18 million contribution towards the sealing of part of County Boundary Road between Croppa Creek and Crooble.

The funding comes under the Roads of Strategic Importance program and will supplement $2.05 million of council funds already allocated to the project in the northern end of the Gwydir Shire.

“Sealing of the Country Boundary Road will make an enormous difference to the producers of this area, enabling them to get their product to market via Inland Rail or the Newell Highway,” said Mr Coulton.

Gwydir Shire Council Engineering Manager, Alex Eddy, says that pending weather and the release of funding, works will commence early in the 2021/2022 financial year and will employ up to 20 local people for a period of 18 months.

“The road is currently one of Council’s largest maintenance liabilities and with the announcement of funding to seal part of this road, those maintenance costs can be allocated to other Gwydir Shire Council roads,” he said.

Mr McCormick said the Australian Government is committed to the delivery of infrastructure projects that will better connect our regions, improve safety on our roads and meet our national freight challenge.

“This project is a part of the $110 billion record amount of money that is being spent on infrastructure right across Australia, whether it is a Capital City or a dusty track like County Boundary Road, it makes such a difference to the communities, make such a difference to job creation and we are building a better regional Australia”.

The project will boost the region by providing an all-weather pavement that can support heavy vehicles travelling at up to 100 km/h.