‘A major win for road safety’: Council welcomes $9 million Rangari Road funding boost

Narrabri Shire Council said it welcomed the announcement of $9 million in funding from the NSW Government’s Rural and Regional Roads Fund to complete the sealing of Rangari Road, declaring it ‘a major win for road safety and the local community’.

This funding, combined with additional contributions from Council, will see the remaining 11 kilometres of unsealed road sealed for the first time, said a NSC media statement released on Tuesday.

“With more than 100 vehicles using Rangari Road each day, including local residents, businesses and agricultural operators, this upgrade represents a significant improvement to safety, connectivity and access for the region.”

Narrabri Shire mayor Darrell Tiemens said the announcement was fantastic news for the community and the result of a sustained and collaborative effort.

“This is a tremendous outcome for our community,” said Cr Tiemens.

“Rangari Road has long been identified as a safety priority, and this funding means we can do our part to improve the road for everyone.

“Council has been pursuing this upgrade for nearly four years, and I want to sincerely thank our staff for the enormous amount of work they have done to secure this funding.

“Their persistence, planning and professionalism have been key to achieving this result.

“We also want to acknowledge the support of our local member Roy Butler, and thank Transport for NSW and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison for working with us to achieve the best outcome possible.

“It’s pleasing to see forward-thinking collaboration that ensures we can build back better for our region.”

Council’s general manager Eloise Chaplain said the support of the local community has also played an important role.

“The Boggabri community, local businesses, the Boggabri Business Chamber and local police have all been instrumental in demonstrating how vital this project is,” Ms Chaplain said.

“This has been a real community-driven effort, and we’re proud to see that collective commitment result in a safer, stronger road network,” said NSC general manager Eloise Chaplain.

In addition to the sealing works, the upgrade will include road widening, improved drainage, upgraded signage, audible edge and centre line markings, new guideposts, and enhanced delineation throughout the route.

Cr Tiemens said the project will deliver long-term benefits for the region.

“Fully sealing Rangari Road will improve safety for all road users, reduce maintenance costs, and better connect our rural communities and industries.

This is the kind of infrastructure that underpins growth and resilience in our region,” he said.

In a media statement, NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said, “We’re getting on with the job of delivering better roads for regional communities.

“This funding will seal the final stretch of Rangari Road, making a real difference for locals, freight and emergency services who rely on it every day.

“The Minns Labor Government is backing the bush by building safer, stronger connections right across NSW.”

Member for Barwon Roy Butler said he welcomed the funding and he looks forward to seeing the road completed.

“This has been a long time coming for our community,” he said.

“Rangari Road is a key route for farmers, workers and families and sealing this last section means safer travel, less maintenance and better reliability for everyone. I’m pleased to have worked with Minister Aitchison to secure this investment, and I will be encouraging Council to get moving, to ensure safer roads for Barwon.”

The ministerial media statement further explained the funding would allow Narrabri Shire Council to seal the last 9.6 kilometres of the road, ‘the missing link’ that connects the Tamworth, Gunnedah and Narrabri local government areas.

“Once complete, Rangari Road will be fully sealed for the first time, improving safety, reducing maintenance, and providing a smoother, more reliable route for locals, farmers, freight operators and emergency services. The upgrade will cut dust, improve traction and reduce potholes, making travel safer and easier year-round, particularly in wet weather when unsealed roads can become impassable.’