$183m funding for road upgrades arcross NSW to support delivery of renewable projects

The New South Wales Government is investing $183.2 million to transform key sections of the State’s road network, and these works will provide lasting infrastructure and economic benefits for regional areas.

This funding will cover the delivery of critical road upgrades that will support the safer movement of oversize and overmass vehicles transporting components for wind and solar projects, ultimately helping drive the renewable energy transition in regional New South Wales.

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering a ‘once-in-a-generation upgrade’ of the state’s electricity system.

“As part of this, we are upgrading our road network to help deliver the renewable energy zones and a once-in-a-generation road upgrade.

“NSW has the most advanced plan for the rollout of renewable energy in Australia – today’s investment in our road network is the next stage of that,” Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe said.

Regional communities are the centre of the renewable energy transition, with areas like the Central-West Orana playing a vital role as the powerhouse of the State’s future energy system.

The funding injection from the Minns Labor Government will be shared across three of the five designated Renewable Energy Zones (REZ):

• $50 million for Central-West Orana REZ for safety and capacity upgrades primarily along the Golden Highway, as well as between the Port of Newcastle and the Central West
• $65 million for South-West REZ to start work on six intersection upgrades to allow components to be moved through the western Riverina region between the Dinawan and the Buronga substations
• $68.2 million for New England REZ to begin upgrades at Rix’s Creek Bridge and Liddell Interchange, plan for safety and capacity upgrades between Muswellbrook and Armidale and develop an OSOM route around Tamworth on the northern end

“These upgrades recognise a simple reality. Our regional communities are at the heart of our renewable energy future and for too long they’ve had to bear the brunt of the transition without the infrastructure to support it.

“The Central-West Orana and surrounding regions are the powerhouse of our state’s energy transition. They have long powered NSW through a mix of energy sources. As we transition, they will continue to play that critical role.

“I know how important the Golden Highway is for both communities and industry alike. These upgrades will ensure it can safely and efficiently support the movement of energy infrastructure, while continuing to serve the people who rely on it every day.

“This $183.2 million investment is about recognising the role regional NSW plays in powering the state – and making sure communities see lasting benefits through stronger, safer and more resilient roads,” Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said.

Design work is now underway for critical upgrades on the Sturt Highway and New England Highway while the delivery of town entry safety treatments on the Golden Highway at Dubbo, Dunedoo, Jerrys Plains Denman and Sandy Hollow has commenced.

Transport for NSW will be completing community consultation in the coming months and provide more information and expected timelines as the program develops. Project concept design will also be fast tracked so vital road works can move ahead quickly.

“Our remote and rural communities often carry the load of work when it comes to major transitions like this, so this investment is a very welcome commitment to making sure we are properly supported.

“As large renewable energy components are transported across our region, these upgrades will help keep people safe, maintain vital connections, and leave a lasting legacy of better infrastructure for our community.

“Regional councils look forward to continuing to work productively with the Minister on corridor planning for upcoming REZ movements in their local government areas.

“This is about making sure our communities are not only part of the transition, but benefits from it as well,” Mayor of Temora Shire Rick Firman said.

In addition, extensive planning is also underway to minimise impacts on local communities and road users, with oversize and overmass movements carefully coordinated – typically departing ports at night and travelling along designated REX routes under pilot or escort where required.

The previous green energy joint funding commitment of $128.5 million has crews already working to upgrade 19 areas along the Central-West Orana REZ route. The improvements and road treatments are carried out at identified pinch points and vary from road widening, relocating traffic signs, installing new turn lanes and extending drainage and culverts.

“This significant investment in the Golden Highway will provide a lasting legacy for residents of the Dubbo Region, particularly when travelling to Newcastle and the Hunter.

“In regional areas like ours, roads are the connections between towns – essential to keeping people, goods and services moving seamlessly. These upgrades will improve safety, support local businesses and industry, and ensure our community can continue to grow and thrive,” Mayor of Dubbo Regional Council Josh Black said.

“Muswellbrook has long been at the centre of NSW’s energy story and as that story evolves, it’s essential our community is supported.

“As a key hub in the Upper Hunter, we’re seeing firsthand the increased demand on our local roads as large renewable energy components move through the region. For our community, that means balancing this important work with keeping our community connected and safe.

“This investment will strengthen our road network, reduce pressure on key routes and ensure Muswellbrook continues to play a leading role in powering the state,” Mayor of Muswellbrook Jeff Drayton said.

With the new State Government investment, there is now a total of $216.9 million available joint funding – $211.9 million from the New South Wales Government and $5 million from the Australian Government – for REZ road upgrades across regional New South Wales.

The funding also includes $10 million for the development of infrastructure upgrades associated with the Central-West Orana REZ project, which is funded 50/50 with the State and Federal governments, and $23.7 million to deliver an overtaking lane west of Merriwa.

“In small regional communities like those across Wurrumbungle Shire, our road network is our lifeline and connection to the rest of the state. It’s how we access services and keep our local economy running.

“The roads are placed under significant pressure from the transportation of renewable energy infrastructure – impacting safety, accessibility and day-to-day life for our community.

“The $183.2 investment in roads in Renewable Energy Zones acknowledges those challenges, and I’m very pleased to see regional communities recognised and supported through the transition,” Mayor of Wurrumbungle Shire Kathryn Rindfleish said.

“The Minns Labor Government’s renewable energy rollout is a generational, nation building, freight and logistics task.

“The Port of Newcastle is the only port on the East Coast of Australia capable of handling such a massive and complex operation, and as the entry point for these components, we recognise and welcome the unprecedented scale of works and investment the government is making to ensure the road network is equally ready.

“Recognising the critical role the Port of Newcastle will play in the government’s successful rollout, we are laser focused on ensuring the Port is capable and ready to receive the first REZ components in 2027,” Port of Newcastle CEO Craige Carmody said.

Source: NSW Government – Media Releases; Transport for NSW; Roads & Infrastructure Australia