The Federal Labor Government today announced it would provide $10 million funding for the Northern Gateway project which will allow freight to be transported more efficiently through the Manning Valley and take trucks off local roads.
The Northern Gateway project includes the construction of a road freight interchange terminal at the northern entrance of Taree to the Pacific Highway, comprising a hardstand area for truck movements, parking and wash-down facilities and two warehouses.
A new two-lane dual-carriageway bypass of Cundletown including a new bridge across the Dawson River will also be built as well as improvements to Taree Airport Precinct’s access roads. This will support the effectiveness of freight movements around northern Taree and to and from the Interchange Facility
These improvements to the local road network are regionally significant and will help secure the distribution of inbound and outbound freight for surrounding areas including Forster, Taree, Gloucester, Port Macquarie and Kempsey.
The Manning Valley is well placed for a transport hub and this project will help reduce freight costs for local businesses and expand local industries.
The new infrastructure will take heavy vehicles off residential and town roads, so that large trucks will no longer need to drive through local streets.
This will enhance the safety of local roads for road users and pedestrians, reduce road congestion and noise, and preserve residential roads.
This project is a good example of the real benefits of targeted, long-term investment in regional communities.
Overall, the project will support 35 local jobs during construction and a further 211 indirect jobs.
Funding is being provided to the Greater Taree City Council under Round Four of the Government’s Regional Development Australia Fund.
The project is due for completion by late 2016.
Information on the Regional Development Australia Fund can be found at www.regional.gov.au