The NSW Opposition announced last week that a Labor Government will deliver a $60 million funding package for the Kings Highway – guaranteeing sustainable and consistent funding to continue upgrades and safety improvements.
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NSW Opposition Leader John Robertson made the announcement with Shadow Minister for Roads Michael Daley and Country Labor Candidate for Monaro Steve Whan on the King’s Highway just outside Queanbeyan – after addressing NSW Country Labor Conference in Queanbeyan.
The $60 million funding package over four years will allow for a consistent stream of funding to ensure this critical road continues to be upgraded.
The King’s Highway was recently ranked as the sixth worst road in NSW by the NRMA and is consistently rated as the worst road in the capital region.
Following the review and community engagement process, several safety issues and recommendations were made, including: The lack of overtaking and turning lanes; Improving road alignments; Extra safety barriers; Improving road surfacing; Improving road signage;
Improving line markings; and Widening of bridges.
Country Labor Candidate for Monaro Steve Whan said Labor had a strong record on delivering for the Kings Highway and is determined to see progress continue.
“In my two terms as Member for Monaro, we saw seven new overtaking lanes built on the Kings Highway between Queanbeyan and the Clyde Mountain,” Mr Whan said.
“Labor was also responsible for a major improvement and realignment heading out of Queanbeyan, and road widening and realignment in other areas.
“Three Labor Governments worked together to deliver the biggest funding package the highway has seen, but now under Coalition Federal and State Governments, that funding has dropped away.
“When they came to office, the Nationals cut funding for the Kings Highway, even fudging the figures by claiming expenditure already committed for noise walls on Canberra Avenue in their first year.
Following the Labor announcement Minister for Roads and Freight Duncan Gay and local MPs John Barilaro (Monaro) and Andrew Constance (Bega)welcomed Labor’s support of the NSW Government’s work on the Kings Highway saying , “The Kings Highway will enjoy a major boost in funding as part of the Restart NSW Regional Freight Pinch Point and Safety Program'.
“A recommendation on the allocation of the $200 million works program will be made to the NSW Government by Infrastructure NSW by the end of the year.
“It’s hard not to be cynical about Labor’s new epiphany about the people of Monaro.
“Now in its second year, our three year package of work includes more overtaking lanes, a wider road in parts, improved bends and clear zones and better signposting and linemarking.
“At the same time we have been progressing the exciting 4.6-kilometre Queanbeyan bypass, which is on track to start construction next year.”
Mr Gay said “Mr Barilaro and Mr Constance said the NSW Liberals and Nationals had been working closely with Eurobodalla Shire Council and Palerang Council to both develop and deliver upgrades along the Kings Highway.
“We’ve been busy rolling out a package of safety work following extensive investigations by this government during the the Kings Highway Route Safety Review report,” Mr Barilaro said.