Member for Eden-Monaro Mike Kelly says the Coalition’s funding of $50 million to be spent on safety improvements for the Barton Highway isn’t good enough.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
On Thursday, September 22 The Tribune broke the news that the Coalition’s funding for the Barton Highway, announced during the federal election, was real despite the Liberals former member failing to reclaim his seat.
While the four-year funding is to be used for upgrades, Mr Kelly says full duplication is the only outcome he and the community will accept.
“The recent announcement from the Coalition that they would honour their commitment for overtaking lanes on the Barton Highway is not good enough,” he said.
During the federal election, Mr Kelly described the highway connecting Yass and Canberra as a “missing link”.
“Duplication will not only improve safety for commuters but it will also improve freight logistics within the wider region,” he said. “I see the Barton Highway as the missing link in our inland infrastructure to open up the full potential of our region.”
“In addition, with the first flights from the Canberra International Airport starting this week there are now great opportunities for local tourism, produce and enterprises to seek out international markets.”
Mr Kelly said despite recent commitments by the Coalition during the election, there has been no significant work done on the highway.
In 2015, during the state election, both the state and federal members promised a combined $15 million in funding.
While the Barton Highway Taskforce, run by the Yass Valley Mayor, has plans for the $3 million state funds to be implemented into a business case analysis, the $12 million announced by former member Angus Taylor is yet to be identified.
“We need action not words,” Mr Kelly said. “I receive calls on almost a weekly basis telling me about crashes on the highway.
“By starting from the south end, this plan targets the most congested and dangerous section and follows the recommendation of the Barton Highway Draft Improvement Strategy.”
The Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Daren Chester says the project is of high priority and the funds, available through the Infrastructure Investment Programme, will be rolled out when arrangements are made with the NSW government about implementation.
