Funding to upgrade Gilgandra roads and ease access for truck transport has been welcomed in the local community.

The Federal and NSW State governments announced joint funding of $40 million to upgrade four existing intersections on Hargraves Lane and Federation Street, where they intersect with the Newell, Oxley and Castlereagh highways, early this month.

The Australian Government is contributing $32 million towards the project, with the NSW Government contributing the remaining $8 million. 

The upgrades will be designed to open up bypass access for all heavy vehicles and reduce the number of heavy vehicles passing through the Gilgandra CBD. 

Gilgandra Mayor Doug Batten welcomed the funding.

“The $40 million investment in upgrading key intersections in the Gilgandra Shire marks a significant investment for our region, with the aimed benefits of safer intersections and freight productivity of passing heavy vehicles.

“Council looks forward to continuing our consultation with Transport for NSW to ensure the best outcomes are achieved for our region,” Cr Batten said.

A spokesperson for a Western Plains transport company backed those thoughts. “This has been a problem area for some time, and the upgrades are long overdue," they said.

“I look forward to having easier access for our trucks in what has been a problematic patch of the highway for our drivers for as long as I can remember."

Currently, some larger heavy vehicles are unable to use Gilgandra’s heavy vehicle bypass because these intersections can’t be safely navigated, meaning some of the biggest and heaviest vehicles need to travel along the Castlereagh Highway (Miller Street) through the town centre. 

The State Government has carried out preliminary investigations to determine the requirements for each of the key intersections and is currently consulting with Gilgandra Shire Council and other key stakeholders to refine the proposed improvements. 

A Review of Environmental Factors (REF) and concept designs for the proposed intersection upgrades are expected to be placed on display for public feedback by late 2025. 

State Member for Barwon Roy Butler said the investment would enhance both safety and transport efficiencies for the region. 

“Taking heavy vehicles out of the main streets of town will improve safety, make the town more liveable, decrease wear and tear on the roads and generally improve the efficiency of truck routes in the area. 

“It’s good to see both levels of government recognising the strategic importance of the Gilgandra Shire and the benefits that unlocking more investment in our regional network will bring,” Mr Butler said.