The 2023-24 NSW state budget will see a significant investment into the state's rural roads
Key transport regulators have welcomed in the NSW government’s budget allocation to the development of regional roads and services.
Announced on Tuesday, the state government will be committing more than $2.6 billion of the budget to several projects across the state.
Nearly $750 million of this will go towards the building of new rural roads and the servicing and redevelopment of existing roads.
NatRoad CEO Warren Clark says these investments will greatly benefit transport workers.
“This is vital work and essential to keep road freight moving,” he says.
“Potholed and badly degraded roads are a constant risk to safety so we’re right behind anything that brings them back to standard.
“We also welcome a $10 million commitment to improve the network of heavy vehicle rest stops across regional NSW – we just wish it was more.
“Our road transport drivers deserve well appointed and strategically located rest areas.”
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The total transport expenditure for the NSW government across the 2023-24 financial year now totals $19.3 billion.
It currently has a rolling four-year figure set at $72.3 billion, with the industry seeing a significant level of investment in that period.
Roads Australia CEO Ehssan Veiszadeh welcomes the continued allocation of funds into the industry.
“RA is pleased to see the state government’s first budget largely continuing NSW’s commitment to infrastructure delivery at an uncertain time for the economy, while charting a pathway back to surplus,” he says.
“It is pleasing to see investment in the regional road network and funding for building resilience across western Sydney in the wake of significant natural disasters.
“As we await the outcomes of state and federal reviews, this budget will provide the industry with a level of certainty around NSW’s infrastructure build.”
$10 million is being committed to the improvement of heavy vehicle rest areas in regional NSW.
Find below the full list of allocated funds in the budget:
- $1.4 billion for the delivery of a new regional rail fleet to replace the ageing regional fleet
- $390 million to establish the Regional Emergency Road Repair Fund to support regional councils in managing existing roads and prioritising works based on the needs of their communities, particularly those damaged by natural disasters
- $334 million to establish the Regional Roads Fund to build new roads in rural and regional areas
- $333.9 million to replace ageing timber bridges through the Fixing Country Bridges program, providing improvements to regional bus services and supporting councils through the Fixing Local Roads Program
- $95.9 million for the Fixing Country Rail program, to deliver improved capacity and reliability to the regional rail network and deliver a highly functional network for moving freight in and out of regional areas
- $29.4 million to plan for the transition of fleet to zero emission buses, including trials, analysis and development
- $20.2 million to continue the Transport Connected Bus Program.
- $10 million to improve the network of heavy vehicle rest stops across regional NSW.