Boosting Newell Highway flood mitigation south of Forbes

The Australian Government will contribute $50 million to improve flood mitigation on important sections of the Newell Highway between West Wyalong and Forbes.

The new funding is in addition to the NSW Government’s existing $200 million commitment, bringing total project funding to $250 million.

The Australian Government funding for this project will be delivered through the Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) initiative, which helps connect regional businesses to local and international markets, and better connect regional communities.

This additional funding will enable well-known flooding issues on this important section of the Newell Highway to be addressed.

For more information on the project, visit nswroads.work/ww2f.

More information on the Australian Government’s ROSI initiative is available at https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/about/national-initiatives/roads-of-strategic-importance.aspx.

Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“The Newell Highway is a critical link for regional residents, tourists and our hard­working freight industry.

“This investment is an example of the Australian Government’s ROSI initiative benefiting freight productivity and safety.

“The Australian Government is committed to doing its bit to deliver the high-priority upgrades needed to ensure our road networks are as efficient and resilient as possible.”

Quotes attributable to NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Sam Farraway:

“Regional communities have borne the brunt of repeated and often extensive closures that have hampered the inland road network in recent months.

“As recently as just before Christmas, we reopened the Newell Highway after floodwaters and extensive damage forced a 49-day closure between Forbes and West Wyalong.

“This boost will allow the NSW Government to build on investigations and studies already undertaken with works to deliver more resilience on this important road so our state can keep moving and communities stay connected.

“This will include looking at increasing the height of the highway in key sections and improving drainage and pavement resilience.”