Federal Infrastructure Pipeline Review Yields Mixed Results For The Hunter

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The release of the federal government's report on it's infrastructure pipeline review has yielded mixed outcomes for projects in the Hunter. 

In good news for commuters, the M1 Pacific Motorway Extension to Raymond Terrace, The Newcastle Inner City Bypass, and upgrades to Mandalong Road will all go ahead as planned. 

Funding has been reserved for the planning of the Muswellbrook Bypass, however no additional commitment has been made for the construction phase of the project. 

Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell, says he believes the government is delaying the project, and it won't be delivered until after the Singleton Bypass is completed. 

"As we found out in budget estimates just a few weeks ago, NSW Transport will not proceed with the project until they receive a deed from the Federal Government with the construction money," he said. 

Meanwhile, work on the first phase of the government's proposed high speed rail network is set to grind to a halt, after today's report revealed it will no longer be funding upgrades to tracks and platforms at Tuggerah and Wyong. 

The federal and state governments committed a combined $1.5 billion last year to the improvements, as part of plans to cut 35 minutes off the journey from Newcastle to Sydney.

Although the report indicates $500 million has been allocated to "High Speed Rail Priorities", it also reveals the Central Coast upgrade works will no longer be funded by the Commonwealth. 

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon says the city will still have "a very lead role in the development of this exciting new chapter in Australian rail history." 

"We will be shaping what high speed rail looks like in Australia with the priority that's been given for the Newcastle to Sydney leg," she said. 

In addition, Dave Layzell says while he's pleased the government has allocated more funding for the replacement of the Brig O'Johnston Bridge at Clarence Town, it's not enough to fully fund the project. 

$781,000 in additional funding has been handed down by the Commonwealth for the replacement works. 

However, Dave Layzell, says it's only 20% of what's needed to get the job done. 

The release of today's report comes after Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King earlier this week announced changes to the way the government would fund projects, returning to a preference of 50:50 funding with the states and territories for future investments. 

Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes, says the government should be able to provide more clarity about the projects it is funding, now it's scope has been reduced. 

"A significant reduction in the scope of projects should hopefully see those on the list move through without delay. Ideally, we’ll also receive some clarity from the state government to confirm all these projects are in frame, given this clarity at a federal level," said Mr Hawes.

First Sod Turned on Muswellbrook Bypass

BY OLIVIA DILLON 

Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell has announced today, works on the Muswellbrook Bypass have commenced. 

He was joined by Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway for the announcement this morning.  

The contract for the project's early works has been granted to local Aboriginal-run business Fenech Demolition, which Mr Layzell said is an exciting step forward for the community. 

"The best way to close the gap is to empower Aboriginal businesses to get work, and make sure that they can employ other Indigenous workers," Mr Layzell said. 

Early works for the project will include demolishing houses along the route, and moving utilities around to make way for the bypass. 

It's expected Transport of NSW will develop a shortlist of tenders for the next phase of the project by the middle of the year. 

Image: Transport for NSW

Contract Awarded for Scone Bypass

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

The construction contract for the New England Highway Bypass at Scone has been awarded, bringing the project one step closer to completion.

After a lengthy tender process, construction organisation Daracon Group were awarded the $120 million contract.

New England MP Barnaby Joyce made the announcement yesterday afternoon, with the bypass set to include three bridges benefiting long-haul vehicle operators driving trucks off the Kelly Street level crossing.

Upper Hunter MP, Michael Johnsen said the final product will benefit Scone greatly.

"As we know from experience and bypasses in other towns, the vibrancy returns and more people feel confident coming back into town so it's only going to be a good thing.

"It'll take time off travel on the New England Highway," he continued, "especially for freight and it'll also take a lot of heavy vehicles out of the town and bring back the amenity of Scone as well."

The project is expected to be completed by late 2020, weather permitting.

A map for the proposed bypass. Image: NSW Government.