Local State MP and Minister for Primary Industries Katrina Hodgkinson and Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor were at Suttons Lane in west Cootamundra today to announce $700,000 in joint funding for the road upgrade.

The NSW Government will contribute $350,000 under the Fixing Country Roads programme and the Federal Government will contribute $350,000 under the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity programme.

Katrina said the $42.85 million Fixing Country Roads funding initiative was to help regional councils upgrade their old roads and bridges which cause freight pinch point or ‘last mile’ problems.

“There’s nothing worse for a local economy than roads and bridges not being up to the task of carrying freight in an efficient and cost effective manner,” she said.

Katrina said she was proud of the hard work carried out by Cootamundra Shire Council to secure funding for the project.

“Sealing of the road will provide a safer and faster route for vehicles higher than 4.5 metres travelling on the Olympic Highway and local traffic.”

Mr Taylor said he was delighted to see this sort of funding flowing into regional communities.

“Supporting infrastructure in communities like Cootamundra is a big focus for the Federal Government. Huge investments into new road, rail and air transport infrastructure will deliver lasting benefits for local economies and the nation. Hume has done particularly well in securing funding from Federal bridge and road building programmes.”

Katrina said the total project cost of Suttons Lane would be $800,000, with Cootamundra Shire Council contributing $100,000.

“With funding now available from both the NSW and Commonwealth Governments, work on these vital local infrastructure projects can start this year.”