On Friday, August 31, Dr Gillespie announced council was successful in its top bid for $5 million of funding in round six of the Federal Government’s Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program.

Despite the funding amount being short of the $8.396 million needed, the funding will see council get the project off the ground.

The Federal Government’s funding will be added to the $8.3 million dollar contribution announced by the State Government in May 2017 and the $2.4 million from council, toward the $19.142 million project for a large scope of works on the Bucketts Way, south of Gloucester.

Since the initial announcement, MidCoast Council had made a number of applications for funding to the Federal Government without success.

Member for Upper Hunter Michael Johnsen, who was a part of the 2017 funding announcement said he welcomed the Federal funding.

“The NSW government is committed to ensuring its funding for the Bucketts Way is spent as soon as possible and now the Federal Government has come to the party, work can begin,” Mr Johnsen said.

Dr Gillespie said the funding was fantastic news for motorists, tourists and transport operators who travel through the region.

“We all understand how important it is to upgrade these roads – we all drive them often and see firsthand the jobs and opportunities agriculture and transport brings to our region.

“While the Bucketts Way is a local and regional road jointly funded by local and state government, I’ve been lobbying very hard with my federal colleague Barnaby Joyce to secure additional funds to continue to expedite the overall upgrade because it is an important freight and tourist route for our region,” Dr Gillespie said.

“Getting product from paddock to plate is a vital part of Australia’s growing agriculture and transport industries, which is why the government is investing in this important program making freight routes like The Bucketts Way safer.”

The funding will go toward the realignment and widening of 12.65 kilometres of The Bucketts Way around Weismantels with the construction of nine individual projects, and the construction of passing lanes at three locations, increasing improve safety and access for heavy vehicles.

The program provides funding to councils, state and territory governments to improve the safety and efficiency of important heavy vehicle routes.

Councils make up more than 60 per cent of the 93 projects selected under this latest round of funding. For more information visit, http://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure_investment/heavy_vehicle_safety_and_productivity.aspx