Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, said the upgrade of a major tourist and freight route near Tenterfield is a step closer after a new agreement was reached between three levels of government.

The $24 million upgrade of the Mt Lindesay Road-Legume to Woodenbong Road, which is joint-funded between Federal and State governments, includes realignment and widening works along a 42 kilometre section of road connecting the New England to South East Queensland.

Mr Joyce has been in discussions with Tenterfield Shire Council regarding significant upfront costs incurred by carrying out the project and negotiated amended terms whereby NSW Roads and Maritime Services will undertake the work on behalf of council.

As RMS will be delivering the project, the new arrangement will relieve cashflow pressure on council and allow the project to proceed as early as possible.

“I’ve been fighting for improvements on this road for years, this is a great result for all involved,” Mr Joyce said.

Tenterfield Shire Council Mayor Peter Petty thanked the Federal member for his assistance to improve the safety of road users in the area.

“We’re very grateful to Mr Joyce for his continuing support of the road upgrade which is not only popular with tourists and freight, it’s also a local school bus route as well,” Cr Petty said.

(ENDS)