LOCALS are benefitting from the NSW Government’s $100 million stimulus spend to accelerate shovel-ready road and maintenance works, with seven projects now delivered across the Hunter.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter said the project were among 150 road and rail projects to be delivered under stimulus, funded by the NSW Government’s $2.3 billion COVID-19 package announced last March, to help keep regional economies ticking and to create local jobs.

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“The Accelerated Capital Maintenance program was designed to fast-track projects and proved to be a lifeline for our community – delivering safer roads and stronger freight and rail connections, as well as creating local jobs when they were needed most,” Mr Martin said.

“The package allowed Transport for NSW to bring forward and deliver projects in addition to its planned program of work.

“As well as underpinning regional jobs, we have also been able to engage local suppliers across NSW, providing a much-needed boost for businesses in the bush.”

Projects delivered under this funding program locally include $431,275 for the resurfacing of 700 metres of Raymond Terrace Road at East Maitland and an additional $300,000 for the patching of sections of Raymond Terrace Road.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the 150 projects provided a critical boost to regional economies feeling the effects of COVID-19.

“Right across the State, this program alone has delivered 400 kilometres of rumble strips, which reduce the risk of head-on and run-off-road crashes by up to 25 percent, upgraded 200 kilometres of rail line, and improved carparks and customer amenities at more than 15 regional railway stations,” Mr Toole said.

“Bringing these projects forward through stimulus funding has given our regional communities a real shot-in-the-arm, especially those who have suffered a triple whammy of drought, bushfires and COVID-19.”