We only want one piece of major infrastructure upgraded to be a dual carriageway, and we have been fighting for many years to have that completed. 

Funding for the Barton Highway was promised before the 2016 election, when the Liberals pledged $50 million to upgrade the road and the Labor party pledged $76 million to duplicate the road.

The $100 million is money that will help to further duplicate the highway and takes it to a total of $150 million promised by both the federal and state governments. 

Works have already begun with last year’s safety improvements.

While the improvements aren’t what the community asked for, and there are concerns within the community regarding what may happen to a car during an accident or if they’ve broken down, at least they’re still spending money on the road. 

Back in June 2017, after the initial state government announcement of $50m, the details of the funding was reported. They included the two-lane carriageway on the duplication alignment from south of Gooda Creek Road to Vallencia Drive and upgrades of their respective intersections. Let's hope the Federal Government will also provide details of their latest $100m investment.

I hope to see further moneys allocated to the highway in the upcoming State Budget, to help facilitate traffic to the ACT from our Yass Valley and the entire western area of the state.