This was the consensus of a meeting hosted by Advance Gloucester to recognise the planned upgrade to The Bucketts Way.

It was announced last month MidCoast Council will receive $5 million from the Federal Government for the realignment and widening of 12.65 kilometres of The Bucketts Way. 

Funds have already been allocated from the State Government and council.

At the meeting, Advance Gloucester’s Bill and Rod Williams wanted reassurance additional funds required to finish the project will be met.

The duo also recalled their frustrations with a lack of funding into The Bucketts Way that stretched back to the 1990s while highlighting the importance of staying connected with other regions such as New England and the Hunter.

Nonetheless, they thanked a host of stakeholders that have assisted in the project so far, including Federal, State and local government members, AGL and Gloucester Resources Limited.

“This has been a long time coming,” Rod said.

The organisation has worked with stakeholders and representatives to raise awareness about the need to improve the stretch of road.

Dignitaries at the event included Federal Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie, State Member for Upper Hunter Michael Johnsen, State Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington and MidCoast Council Mayor David West.

Dr Gillespie said the upgrades will improve safety and access for heavy vehicles.

“We all understand how important it is to upgrade these roads – we all drive them often and see first hand the jobs and opportunities agriculture and transport brings to our region,” Dr Gillespie said.

Advance Gloucester has thrown its support behind upgrades to Thunderbolts Way and the road connecting Gloucester and Scone.

MidCoast Council is working with Walcha Council on repairs to Thunderbolts Way.

Walcha Council's engineering services director Dylan Reeves, who attended the funding function, spoke about how the upgrades will benefit freight transport between the New England and Mid Coast areas.