Rebuilding the Hunter: Massive roads package brings hunter investment to more than $1 billion

A re-elected Baird Government will transform the Hunter with a massive $273 million investment to build vital growth roads and fix congestion pinch points across the region, NSW Premier Mike Baird announced today.

“We are committed to Rebuilding NSW and the Hunter is a key focus for the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government,” Mr Baird said.

“This $273 million package to fix Hunter roads will reduce travel times, improve safety and create valuable local jobs during construction.

“The first seven projects announced today will target pinch points on Hunter roads, including the construction of additional turning lanes.

“The $273 million investment builds on the record infrastructure investment the NSW Government is already undertaking in the Hunter – taking the total contribution to Hunter infrastructure to more than $1 billion.

“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve infrastructure in the Hunter through our Rebuilding NSW plan, but this is only possible if we successfully lease 49 per cent of the poles and wires electricity businesses.

“The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government has a proven track record of delivering the infrastructure that communities across our state need and deserve.

"Labor has no plan for the Hunter and no idea how it will fund the infrastructure required in the region.”

The first seven projects from the Hunter roads package are

• $2 million to improve access from University Drive into Newcastle University, Callaghan Campus
• $12 million to upgrade the intersections of Pacific Highway and Kahibah Road, and Pacific Highway and Northcott Drive, Highfields
• $1.5 million to upgrade the intersection of Griffiths Road and Broadmeadow Road, Broadmeadow
• $8 million to upgrade the intersections of Industrial Drive and Tourle Street, and Industrial Drive and Werribi Street, Mayfield
• $2 million to provide an overtaking lane westbound on the New England Highway between Golden Highway and Singleton, Whittingham
• $7 million to provide two additional lanes on the New England Highway between Racecourse Road and Anambah Road, Rutherford
• $4 million to continue planning and pre-construction to widen Hillsborough Road to four lanes between Warners Bay and the Newcastle Inner City Bypass

The $273 million investment from Rebuilding NSW is over 10 years. Funding will begin in 2015-16.

The NSW Government has already committed $450 million through the Hunter Infrastructure Investment Fund and $340 million through the Newcastle Ports transaction to build economic capacity and benefit the region.

The Hunter also stands to benefit from other funding commitments from Rebuilding NSW, including funding from:

• the $1 billion Water Security Fund, including investigations into Lostock and Glennies Creek Dams
• the $600 million dedicated to regional schools and hospitals
• the $2 billion Regional Road Freight Corridor Fund