Australian Rural & Regional News asked some questions of the Ministers, set out below the release, together with a response from a spokesperson for the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.

The Hon. Catherine King MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; the Hon Kristy McBain MP, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Federal Member for Eden-Monaro; the Hon. Sam Farraway MLC, NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads; the Hon. Wendy Tuckerman MP, NSW Member for Goulburn, Joint Media Release, 1 September 2022

The duplication of the Barton Highway is forging ahead with the focus now turning to construction of several intersections along a seven-kilometre stretch as part of Stage 1.

The Australian Government has committed $150 million towards both stages, while the New South Wales Government has funded $50 million for the Barton Highway Upgrade.

The funding is being utilised across two stages with the Barton Highway Upgrade Package already under construction and the Barton Highway Corridor Upgrade in planning.

Work starts on the southern connection at the NSW and Australian Capital Territory border on Monday 12 September. Work will be carried between 7am and 6pm from Monday to Friday and 8am and 1pm Saturday, excluding public holidays, and is expected to be completed in early 2023.

Early planning of Stage 2 of the Barton Highway upgrade is continuing with Aboriginal cultural consultation and concept design beginning for the next stretch of works.

For more information about the Barton Highway upgrade, visit nswroads.work/barton 

Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“We are committed to upgrading this key regional road link to improve road safety, particularly for commuters to and from the ACT from the surrounding region.

“These upgrades will also enhance tourism, drive economic growth and create vibrant regional spaces.”

Quotes attributable to NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Sam Farraway:

“The duplication of this highway will be a game changer for locals, visitors and the freight industry travelling between NSW and the ACT each day.

“This is one of the busiest stretches of road for the region. The NSW Government is securing a brighter future for NSW families by duplicating the Barton Highway to ensure a safer and smoother journey for all road users.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Minister and Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain:

“Work is set to steam ahead in the coming months, with motorists and residents set to see significant progress along the upgrade route.

“This will include next section of stabilising gravel base material to go down, further intersection upgrades, developing the north and south connections to the existing highway as well as the start of placement of the new road surface.

“I know the local community is really keen to see these works progress because once complete, the duplicated Barton Highway will make a real difference to residents’ daily lives.”

Quotes attributable to NSW Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman:

“As one of the most used highways in the Canberra region, this project will transform travel for people living in or around Yass, Murrumbateman and Gunning.

“We have seen a huge amount of progress recently with extensive drainage works now complete. It is exciting to see this duplication take shape and I know it will make a huge difference and ensure a better, more efficient connection to the ACT.”

Questions from Australian Rural & Regional News

Australian Rural & Regional News asked some questions of the Ministers and Members:

• The duplication of the Barton Highway has been on the table since the 1980s. Instead of spinning the construction of intersections along a seven kilometre stretch close to Canberra as a success, why not apologise to the people who travel the Barton Highway and are impacted by it for the continued delays in completing the duplication of the entire highway?
• When will the other 35 plus kilometres be duplicated?
• Why is it that the Aboriginal consultation, being fundamental to the progress of the duplication, was apparently only commenced in 2021?
• Why has there apparently been no coordination with Yass Valley Council, with extensive developments in Murrumbateman to attract new residents that will add significantly to the traffic and danger on the Barton Highway long before it is duplicated?
• What will be done to alleviate the further delays to commuters caused by the roadworks being carried out during peak travel times?

A spokesperson for the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, the Hon. Catherine King, provided the following response:

“The Australian Government recognises the importance of a safe, accessible and efficient Barton Highway corridor for the regional communities it serves and for those commuting between New South Wales and the ACT.

That’s why the Australian Government continues to work with the NSW Government to deliver the joint $200 million commitment toward priority upgrades, including duplication of a prioritised section of the highway to at least Gooda Creek, NSW.

The scope of this investment is informed by the previously completed case. This project is expected to start construction late 2025 and [be] completed by late 2028.

The Australian Government invests in infrastructure projects where they will achieve a net benefit for communities, such as reducing travel times, boosting productivity and increasing our standard of living.

State governments are primarily responsible for identifying, planning and delivering priority road upgrades, as well as community and stakeholder consultation activities.

The Australian Government will continue to work with the NSW Government to consider future priorities for key regional roads, including the Barton Highway.”

Responses from the other Ministers will be published here once received.