The NSW Government will take over the sealing and widening of Rangari Road providing confidence to the local community that the road will be finally fixed.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the decision was made after meeting with the Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway earlier this week.

“The Rangari Road issue has gone on long enough, and after discussions with the Minister I’m pleased a favourable resolution has been reached,” Mr Anderson said.

“Transport for NSW, will now take over delivery of the project to ensure a smoother and safer road is finally delivered to the community.

“The community and I are disappointed with the ongoing delays and the time taken to get this project shovel ready has meant the costs have increased.

“The latest delay was a request for further contingency funding on top of the additional $3.3 million we provided in the recent budget. The NSW Government is investing $15.6 million to the sealing of Rangari Road.

“I have worked hard collaborating with Gunnedah and Tamworth Councils to come up with a solution, but the community have had enough and demanded that the delays stop and work commence. It’s time to get the job done.

“Transport have assured that the work will start in the coming months and once finished, I look forward to our community having a safer journey along this important road.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said that although challenges such as drought, bushfires, COVID-19 and floods have impacted a number infrastructure projects across the state, Rangari Road had been delayed for too long.

“The NSW Government is rolling out a record $19.4 billion infrastructure pipeline across regional NSW, we have faced set backs on many projects but this upgrade really does just need to get started,” Mr Farraway said.

The upgrade will seal and widen approximately 20 kilometres of Rangari Road, from 3.8 kilometres east of the Gunnedah / Tamworth LGA boundary to the Gunnedah / Narrabri LGA boundary past Wean Road.