Commencement of stage 4 of the Southern Feeder Road Project is one step closer after a $2 million boost under Round 7 of the Australian Government's Heavy Vehicle Safety Productivity Program (HVSPP).
The additional funding brings the Australian Government's total contribution to the multi-stage Southern Feeder Road Project to $9.17 million. $720 thousand from the stimulus fund in July and $6.45 million was allocated through a previous round of the Heavy Vehicle Safety Productivity Program which saw $3.45 million invested in the Railway Overpass Bridge and $3 million for upgrades to Diary Creek Road and Blowes Road.
Member for Calare and Minister for Decentralisation and Regional Education, Andrew Gee MP announced the $2 million funding injection under Round 7 of the (HVSPP) when he attended the project site on Friday.
"Stage 4 of the Southern Feeder Road Project will reduce traffic congestion along some of the busiest streets in Orange," Mr Gee said.
Orange City Council's Technical Services Director Ian Greenham with Infrastructure Committee Chair Jeff Whitton, Mayor Reg Kidd and Member for Calare Andrew Gee
"In particular it will free up Anson and Summer streets from a lot of vehicle traffic creating safer streets for pedestrians and for young children attending the nearby schools.
"The funding will also result in more efficient freight movement for our region's agricultural businesses and mining operations and together with the Stage 3 Mitchell Highway to Elsham Avenue works, it will and deliver a high quality link to a key industrial estate, the health precinct and the new Shiralee housing area.
"All and all this project is significant for our local economy and prosperity and I look forward to it being delivered," Mr Gee said.
Stage 4 of the Project will cover 2.6 km of road which will run from Anson Street west to Pinnacle Road. A new overland route for the first half is planned, followed by a reconstruction of the old Park Road alignment and extension onto Pinnacle Road.
The project includes a number of culverts and stormwater pipes where the road crosses waterways at Rifle Range Creek and Blackmans Swamp Creek, as well as a new roundabout on Shiralee Road.
A potable water main alongside the new road is also part of the plans.
Orange Mayor Cr Reg Kidd welcomed the announcement of $2 million from the Federal Government towards stage 4 of the Southern Feeder Road project.
"Orange City Council is now another step closer to completing this major ring road thanks to this grant from the Australian Government," Cr Kidd said.
"This $2 million injection, coupled with a $4.556 million grant from the state government brings us another step closer to being able to begin work on this $14 million project.
"Council is delighted to be working in partnership with the NSW and Federal Government to deliver this crucial piece of infrastructure," Cr Kidd said.
The Heavy Vehicle Safety Productivity Program (HVSPP) is an Australian Government initiative to fund infrastructure projects that improve the productivity and safety outcomes of heavy vehicle operations across Australia.
As part of the Local and State Government Road Safety Package announced in the 2019-2020 Budget, the Australian Government has committed an additional $25 million per year to the HVSPP from 2019-2020. The Government will provide $508 million to the HVSPP from the 2013-2014 financial year to the 2022-2023 financial year, with an on-going commitment of $65 million each year following.
