After 12 months in his new role, the Upper Hunter MP disclosed this week that $170 million would be allocated to the upcoming project.

“Importantly, it will save lives,” he said.

“Of the $170 million, $85 million is going to the Golden Highway/New England Highway intersection flyover.

“The other $85 million will be spent between that intersection and Dubbo and approximately 70 per cent of that $85 million is earmarked for where the Golden Highway goes through the Upper Hunter electorate.”

Mr Johnsen said the funding would be beneficial because it would make roads safer, and also provide employment.

“It’s all about local spending, local jobs, and local economy,” he said.

Mr Johnsen admitted his first year in NSW Parliament had been busy but very rewarding.

At the time of election, he was excited and nervous, feeling the responsibility of representing the electorate.

“But at the same time, it really is an honour and privilege,” he said.

On his first day in Parliament, before his maiden speech, Mr Johnsen moved a motion of condolence for the deceased as a result of the April storms and floods in the Hunter.

“I was very honoured,” he said.

During his time in the new role, Mr Johnsen has had a number of opportunities to speak to parliament.

“Out of the Coalition members, I’ve spoken more than any other new member who was elected 12 months ago,” he said.

Mr Johnsen said he had been working to express the issues and views of the electorate.

“When you’re in the electorate you listen, when you’re in parliament you speak,” he said.

“It’s as simple as that.”

Mr Johnsen said one of the things he wasn’t expecting in the role was the extent to which people’s concerns had an emotional impact on him.

“It’s had a dramatic effect on me,” he said.

“It’s made me even more in tune with people and their issues than I ever thought [possible].”

The politician said when he hears of people’s concerns he shares in their frustration and aims to find a solution to the problem.

“The Upper Hunter electorate is getting a lot of attention from government,” he said.

After speaking with constituents, Mr Johnsen believes the main concern for Muswellbrook residents is their job, regardless of whether they are directly involved in the mining industry or not.

“It’s all about jobs; it’s the number one issue,” he said.

“And, letting people know we actually do care and government is proactive in helping people retrain; proactive in continuing to look at ways of diversifying the economy.”

In the next 12 months, Mr Johnsen will be further looking into the progress of the Muswellbrook, Singleton and Scone bypasses.

“It can be frustrating when people only see plans and talk, but the reality is we must plan it well because it’s got to last for a long time,” he said.

“[It needs] the least negative impact on each town and the most positive impact possible.”

Now a quarter of the way through his first term, Mr Johnsen said he loves his work.

“It’s not a job, it’s a lifestyle,” he said.

He would like to thank the people in the Upper Hunter electorate for their trust and confidence in him as a member and representative.

“And for their ongoing assistance they provide me with in helping me represent them,” he said.​