More jobs to be supported as works progress on Newell Highway upgrade

The $261.17 million Newell Highway heavy duty pavement upgrade from Narrabri to Moree in New South Wales continues to support jobs as it makes more opportunities available for local job seekers and businesses. 

There have been around 400 employees – including subcontractors – working on the project since construction began in July of last year. The project is expected to support approximately 640 jobs throughout its life. 

Local employment as well as sourcing local suppliers and Aboriginal participation have been a focus of this jointly funded project. 

“We’ve sourced local businesses to supply concrete and quarry products, electrical and plumbing services, truck, plant and equipment hire as well as accommodation, catering, cleaning, traffic control and safety equipment. 

“Moree and Narrabir and surrounds are part of Kamilaroi Land and the Gomeroi nation, with significant Aboriginal populations, and we’re proud to be exceeding our Aboriginal participation targets. 

“We have four local Aboriginal suppliers from Moree and Narrabri and five Aboriginal trainees working on the project,” Transport for NSW Regional Director West Alistair Lunn said. 

After years of living in South Australia, Fred McGrady – a labourer trainee and proud Gomeroi man – has returned home to Moree and is thriving in his career change working on the project. 

“I enjoy a fast-paced workplace, I thrive on it and in this job we’re managing multiple things while we’ve got five or six machines running at the same time. 

“I’m really enjoying it, I find learning new things really stimulating and I’m thriving again as a result. 

“It was instilled in me from my parents to always take pride in your work and being in this job it’s there to see every time I drive down that road. I can say ‘I built that’ to the kids and grandkids,” Mr McGrady said. 

Newell Highway heavy duty pavement upgrade map (source: Transport for NSW)

Stage 1 of the project will deliver a total of 27.3 kilometres of heavy duty pavement upgrades to four priority section of the Newell Highway between Narrabri and Moree. 

Key features of the project include: 

• Provide a heavy duty pavement to meet the existing and future freight needs along this section of the Newell Highway 
• Widen the existing highway or construct a new two lane highway adjacent to the existing highway of 3.5-metre lanes, 2-metre shoulders, and 1-metre-wide centreline cross section 
• Provide new 1.5-kilometre-long dedicated overtaking lanes in five locations 
• Upgrade intersections and right turning lanes 
• Retain or improve the 110-kilometre design speed alignments 
• Improve access to private property and bus stop layouts 
• Upgrade of drainage structures to improve flood immunity for the highway 

“Work has now commenced on the next section and there will be multiple opportunities available in the Narrabri area including in construction, labouring and administration roles. 

“We’re holding a drop-in session for job seekers and local businesses in Narrabri on Thursday 27 July, and we welcome anyone who is interested to come and talk to our Transport for NSW and Fulton Hogan project team about the opportunities available as part of the next two sections of work,” Mr Lunn said. 

The drop-in session will be held at The Tourist Hotel from 3pm to 6pm. 

Source: Transport for NSW (1, 2)