“The government is committed to building road infrastructure that will reduce transport costs for regional businesses.  By upgrading Jerangle Road, we expect to make a big impact on the productivity of the local agriculture and timber industries that depend on this road,” Mr Barilaro said.

“Freight is worth $60 billion to the NSW economy, and this is why we are dedicated to funding projects that improve access and slash expenses for regional industries.”

Snowy Monaro Regional Council administrator Dean Lynch said for Stage 2 of this project, the completed first section involved the upgrade of a one kilometre stretch of road, north of the Wild Cattle Flat Road intersection. The remainder of the Stage 2 upgrade extends a further distance of about six kilometres.

“Council is pleased that we have been able to work with the government to provide improved accessibility and connections within the region.  This is a main route for many residents and they should have access to high quality infrastructure,” Mr Lynch said .

Stage 1 of this project was completed in mid-2016 and involved the sealing, widening and upgrade of Jerangle Road from Ballina Fad Bridge to the boundary of the shire.

Construction works for Stage 2 include the clearance of heavy vegetation, the upgrade of sub-standard drainage culverts and the construction of new culverts, the reconstruction and reshaping of inadequate sections, the addition of a correctional course of road pavement and the sealing of the road.

Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight, Melinda Pavey, said the government was proud to invest $1.36 million into this project through the Restart NSW Fixing Country Roads program, as it benefits both regional industries and the local community.

“The Fixing Country Roads Program is all about creating better connections between local and regional roads and key freight hubs, and this is a hugely important connection as it is the only B-Double route in and out of the Snowy Monaro’s north-west region,” Ms Pavey said.

“Trucks use this route to transport hardwood timber to coastal mills, softwood timber to the west of Cooma and farm produce to the markets north of the shire. By upgrading the road, we will be cutting fuel costs for all these regional industries.”

Mr Barilaro said the long term impact of this upgrade would be felt across the community, with improved safety and reduced road maintenance costs.

“School buses rely on this road, and sealed roads are much cheaper and safer for the whole of the community.  With a better connection, we expect an increase in tourist traffic between the mountains and coastal regions,” Mr Barilaro said.

“We are delighted to contribute to a project that will have such a meaningful impact on so many people in our community.”

Works remain ongoing for Stage 2 of this project, with culvert upgrades currently underway on the second section of the road and sealing works expected to be completed soon for the first section.

The road upgrade is being delivered by the Snowy Monaro Regional Council, who has invested $100,000 into the project, with the Federal Government also contributing $700,425 through its Roads to Recovery program.