Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison MP has officially opened the completed upgrade of Pilliga Road during a visit to the Narrabri region today.
Minister Aitchison was joined by Member for Barwon Roy Butler MP as well as Narrabri Shire Mayor Darrell Tiemens.
The $7.84 million project saw the upgrade of a 20-kilometre stretch of Pilliga Road between Pilliga and Wee Waa, including reconstruction of major flood ways and large sections of road pavement.
The project was made possible thanks to generous funding from the Australian Government of $4.98 million and more than $2 million from the NSW Government.
Narrabri Shire Council contributed $800,000 towards the upgrade.
“The NSW Government is committed to delivering critical projects to regional NSW that connect the community, keep the economy moving and support regional growth,” Minister Aitchison said.
“I was here for the official sod turning back in November 2023, alongside Roy Butler MP and it’s fantastic to now see that this vital piece of road infrastructure is complete and ready to support local industry and residents. This upgrade is a win for safety, a win for freight, and a win for the community.”
Mayor Tiemens said the Pilliga Road upgrade was a great example of all three levels of government coming together to fund a project benefitting local and regional communities, as well as New South Wales overall.
“Pilliga Road not only serves as a significant transport link locally and regionally but also provides a direct link to the Kamilaroi Highway,” he said.
“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.
“It has been fantastic to see all levels of government coming together to fund such an important project.”
In addition to serving as a significant transport route, Pilliga Road connects Coonamble, Pilliga, Wee Waa and Narrabri, as well as communities across the Narrabri Shire. This includes 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.
Mayor Tiemens took the opportunity during today’s opening by the Minister to acknowledge the recent announcement of disaster assistance for Narrabri Shire.
“As we are all aware, Narrabri Shire is continuing recovery efforts in the wake of flooding following significant rainfall at the end of March,” he said.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to again thank the Australian and NSW governments for their announcement at the beginning of April regarding disaster assistance for Narrabri Shire.
“Today’s visit from Minister Aitchison enabled me to thank the Minister in person for her call following the flood event to check in on our residents’ welfare and reassure us of her support for getting our roads back up and operational.
“We truly appreciate the support that has been shown by both levels of government.”
Pictured: (L-R) Transport for NSW Acting Regional Director West Holly Davies; Narrabri Shire Council General Manager Eloise Chaplain; Narrabri Shire Council Mayor Darrell Tiemens; Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison MP; Member for Barwon Roy Butler MP.