Ongoing investment in our rural and regional roads network is vital to the long-term prosperity of our towns and villages, with robust road infrastructure the backbone of thriving local communities, Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said.
Speaking at the official opening of upgrades to Tara-Bectric Road at Temora – which together with other improvements, including the Tara-Bectric Road Bridge, brings total investment in the road to more than $3.5 million under the previous Coalition Government’s Fixing Country Roads program – Ms Cooke said our roads infrastructure lies at the heart of the social and economic health of the regions.
“Ensuring rural and regional communities continue to get their fair share of road funding is vital for the ongoing safety and productivity of our local towns and villages,” Ms Cooke said.
“Our roads are the backbone of the community – it’s how we get to work, school, medical appointments, how we socialise and keep in touch with friends and family. Our roads are vital to our local trade and commerce, as well as tourism – and it’s for these reasons we need roadways that allow people to conduct business, stay connected, and stay safe.
“When you consider that more than one-in-five jobs in the Cootamundra electorate are directly related to agriculture – that’s over 7,000 people – we need to ensure we have the infrastructure in place that supports the ag-sector, and allows the world-class goods that we produce, to get to where it needs to go efficiently and without delay.
“It’s with this in mind that I have advocated tirelessly for our region, to ensure the Regional Roads Minister fully understands and appreciates the pivotal role our roads play in connecting our towns, and enabling economic growth.
“The previous Coalition Government certainly recognised this, and committed billions in programs like Fixing Local Roads, Fixing Country Bridges and Fixing Country Roads, which enhanced local road networks, and provided the investment needed to repair this vital infrastructure following drought, fires, and floods.
“Road projects like this here in Temora, drive big benefits for safety and the economy in the bush, and ensures the network our communities rely on every day is dependable, smooth and safe,” she said.
Photo: Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke was on hand to officially open the upgrades to Tara-Bectric Road, Temora. She was joined by members of the community, including Temora Shire Council Mayor Rick Firman.
