WHILE the Nationals’ commitment to the Muswellbrook Bypass drew much scepticism on social media overnight, Muswellbrook Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Mike Kelly welcomed the news.
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Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen announced on Thursday the current NSW Government, if re-elected next month, would “go it alone” – and fund the $266 million project.
The Nationals Leader added, following the completion of a report into the bypass route, a preferred corridor had been identified and construction was expected to start as soon as 2022.
“The community has been calling on us to get on with building it, and that’s exactly what we’re going to do,” Mr Barilaro said.
“We were waiting for our federal counterparts to make their own funding commitment, but rather than waiting for that to happen, we’ve decided to go ahead and fully fund the project ourselves as a state government.
“In government we have worked hard to put ourselves in the financial position where we can fund projects as large as this, when there is a clear and pressing need for it to get done.
“In short, we want to get on with the job so we can deliver this vital project.”
The declaration certainly put a smile on Mr Kelly’s face.
“The announcement by the NSW Government to fund the bypass without reliance on federal money is a major breakthrough,” he said.
“This project has been in the planning stage for more than 35 years.
“And, for the past quarter of a century, the Muswellbrook chamber has pressed state and federal governments to confirm the cost and timing [of the project].
“The news that construction will start in 2022, with an expected completion date in 2025, and a commitment to full funding is exactly what local business and the community have been asking for.”
Mr Kelly said the chamber would rely on the Nationals’ promise to plan for the impacts that come with a bypass.
“We will be working with local businesses and Muswellbrook Shire Council to reduce the potentially negative impacts and maximise the positive impacts,” he explained.
“With a bypass, there is huge potential to improve the amenity and usability of our town centre.
“The chamber will press all parties in the upcoming election to match the government’s commitment.
“And, we’ll work with the incoming government to bring this project to completion on time.”
The 9.1km bypass is expected to start about 1km south of the New England Highway intersection at Muscle Creek Road and reconnect to the existing highway about 1.2km north of Sandy Creek Road.
The government will begin work on concept designs and begin negotiations with landholders immediately, with community consultation expected to occur in the second half of 2019.
