NSW
A contract for early works on the Muswellbrook Bypass has been granted to Fenech Demolition Pty Ltd, a local second-generation Aboriginal-owned business, the Commonwealth Government announced today.
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Catherine King said improving employment and business opportunities for the Aboriginal communities of the Hunter region was a key feature of the contract for early work on the New England Highway bypass of Muswellbrook.
“The New England Highway provides direct access for the Hunter Valley and New England regions to and from the metropolitan areas of Newcastle and Sydney,” said Minister King.
“This much-needed project will transform travel across the growing Hunter region.”
Early works have already commenced with demolition work and general clearing starting last week.
Next steps for the bypass will involve inviting companies who have registered their interest to participate in the following Expression of Interest stage, before Transport for NSW develops a shortlist of tenderers by mid-year.
Key features for the bypass include the construction of a 9.3-kilometre bypass with a single lane in each direction, a 376-metre-long bridge across Sandy Creek Road, Sandy Creek, Main North railway line, and a southbound exit ramp as well as southern, northern and central interchanges.
Fenech Demolition managing director, Julian Fenech said the company was proud to be a part of the project.
“The people of the Wanaruah Nation will benefit from this contract, which helps ensure they play a part in the benefits that will flow from the project,” he said.
The $336 million project is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments, with the Australian Government committing $268.8 million.
“The NSW Government is moving our state forward by building the infrastructure projects needed in the Hunter to support one of the fastest growing areas in regional NSW,” said NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister, Sam Farraway.
“With so many major infrastructure projects already underway or just getting started in the Hunter Region, the NSW Government held an industry briefing in Newcastle last year to encourage more local involvement. Today’s announcement is just one of the success stories from that event.”
More information is available at the Muswellbrook Bypass project page, including an interactive portal at nswroads.work/Muswellbrook.
