$7.84 million upgrade paves the way for better NSW roads

Published on 09 November 2023

Joint media release: The Hon Catherine King MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; The Hon Jenny Aitchison MP, NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads; Cr Darrell Tiemens, Narrabri Shire Council Mayor

Construction is underway on the new 20-kilometre stretch of the Pilliga Road between Pilliga and Wee Waa, thanks to funding from all three levels of government.

The $7.84 million upgrade involves reconstructing major flood ways and large sections of road pavement on Pilliga Road in Narrabri Shire.

As a sealed regional road and part of the main East/West transport link, Pilliga Road connects Coonamble, Pilliga, Wee Waa and Narrabri, while also serving as a direct link
to the Kamilaroi Highway.

This forms part of the important freight route between Narrabri Shire and the ports of Newcastle, Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour), Port Botany and Port Kembla.

Additionally, Pilliga Road is an important route for communities across the Narrabri Shire, including for residents of Pilliga and Gwabegar to access important facilities, such as schools, hospitals and other medical services in Wee Waa.

Regional industries also rely on this route, including the very productive agricultural sector based on cotton, grains, and livestock as well as timber, coal mining and coal seam gas industries.

All levels of government have come together to fund this project, including $4.98 million from the Australian Government, more than $2 million provided by the NSW Government’s Fixing Country Roads Program and $800,000 contributed by the Narrabri Shire Council.

Construction is expected to be complete by October 2024, weather permitting.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
“This project aims to improve safety for all roads users. It’s about making NSW road networks more efficient and accessible, more reliable and better connected.

“The Australian Government is committed to building transport infrastructure that connects communities and drives economic growth in our regions.”

Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison:
“It’s great to be in Narrabri today to mark the beginning of this important project for upgrades to Pilliga Road, which will provide a much safer journey for the entire community when complete.

“I would like to thank the Narrabri Shire Council for their collaborative work with the Australian and NSW governments around this project, which will result in an all-weather road.

“This will further provide improved transport efficiency, support increased freight movement, and enhance integration with key freight networks.”

Quotes attributable to Narrabri Shire Council Mayor Darrell Tiemens:
“The Pilliga Road upgrade is a significant undertaking, and this project’s importance cannot be understated.

“It has potential to significantly enhance our region’s transportation infrastructure, and I’d like to thank the Australian and New South Wales governments for their generous funding contributions to ensure this project can go ahead.

“It’s fantastic to see all levels of government coming together to fund such an important project.”