Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor and State Member for Goulburn Pru Goward have today announced further joint funding of up to $15 million for safety works along the Barton Highway.

Mr Taylor said under the NSW Government’s Infrastructure Investment Programme, the Federal Government and NSW Government agree to fund national highways like the Barton Highway in an 80/20 split. He said the Federal Government would work with NSW to identify up to $12 million from any project savings from the NSW Government’s Infrastructure Investment Programme allocation to put towards the Barton Highway, and the NSW Government has agreed to commit $3 million.

“These are big dollars. As many residents know, I have been campaigning relentlessly for a strong funding commitment from both State and Federal Governments on the Barton.”

Member for Goulburn Pru Goward said she was delighted to be announcing the additional money for the Barton Highway.

“Upgrading the Barton Highway is the most important issue for the people of Murrumbateman, Yass and as far away as Boorowa and Binalong. It is the artery that allows thousands of local people to work in Canberra, use Canberra’s tertiary medical services and for their children to attend school in Canberra, while still enjoying the great regional life style that the Yass Valley offers.”

“As a former Canberra public servant living in Yass, I have driven the Barton Highway from Yass in all conditions and all times. My daughter also travelled to school by bus on this highway. Without a doubt, it needs a staged rebuild and this commitment is part of the ongoing determination of the NSW Baird Government to improve quality of life for people living in our regional centres. State Labor governments over many years, failed to upgrade this highway.”

Mr Taylor and Ms Goward said the funding would build overtaking lanes and other safety measures such as road widening.

“Overtaking lanes are urgently needed along the “Mad Mile” north of Wallaroo, and south of Murrumbateman. Both Angus and myself will be pushing for the majority of work to be done between Murrumbateman and Wallaroo, where there is the heaviest peak hour traffic,” Ms Goward said.