Tim Davaris says many southeast residents are concerned about safety on the Barton Highway. Photo: File.
A community group is calling on federal election candidates to commit to funding so an “extremely critical” road project can be finished.
The first stage of the Barton Highway duplication was finished in February 2024, leaving four stages remaining.
In the final stretch of the election campaign, the Duplicate the Barton Highway Community Action Group is urging candidates to commit to funding the remaining stages.
“We need to put it in the forward estimates and [have] an actual timeline and a plan to see the whole lot completed,” spokesperson Tim Davaris told Region.
“We need more than a commitment. We need actual funds and a plan to get machines on the road and get them done.”
The 52-km road connects Yass to the ACT and is known for being the scene of accidents and dangerous driving.
In 2019 the Barton Highway was voted the worst road for congestion and safety in the Canberra/Goulburn region in a survey conducted by the NRMA.
Mr Davaris said his community was frustrated by slow progress on the project.
“In terms of what we talk about at the pub, what everyone wants, this is extremely critical,” he said.
“There’s been a lot of talk [and] a lot of promises. To date, we’re just not seeing the machines on the road and the progress continuing.
“What we’re seeing is we are able to secure a small amount of funding, and then we push to get that [work] done, and then we’re back to square one. Everything gets pushed to the back burner.”
A 2024 redistribution of electorates saw Yass Valley LGA moved from Labor MP Kristy McBain’s seat of Eden-Monaro into the seat of Riverina.
Mr Davaris says that while past funding for the duplication was appreciated, it is time work on the project moves forward. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
In late March the Albanese Government pledged $25 million for planning the next stage of upgrades.
Labor candidate for Riverina Mark Jeffreson said he was committed to upgrading the Barton Highway if elected.
“Everywhere I go in the Yass Valley area the need for a dual carriageway comes up very early in conversations, whether with the Mayor Jasmin Jones, the Murrumbateman Community Association, or the everyday citizens of the area, this is a front of mind discussion point,” he said.
“The Barton Highway services the communities of Yass and the wider Riverina, and it has taken a Labor Government to deliver for them.”
Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said he would work towards funding the Barton Highway duplication in a Coalition government.
“I can’t make a commitment – I’m not in government … at the moment, I cannot see that there is funding on the table for the next stage of the Barton,” he said.
“There needs to be, and I’ll work towards, hopefully attaining that.”
He said he would “work very seriously with whoever forms government” on regional projects, such as the duplication.
“Let’s hope that the Coalition can get in and I can work with whomever is the infrastructure minister to put some real and genuine and meaningful money on the table so that we can continue the work.”
Original Article published by Claire Sams on About Regional.
