Tensions flare as government takes control of Rangari Road project

The NSW government will take control of the sealing and widening of Rangari Road in a move that has been ‘cautiously’ welcomed by local government leaders.

State Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson announced the government would take responsibility of the project, which takes in parts of the road in Tamworth and Gunnedah shires, following a meeting with Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway.

Mr Anderson expressed his disappointment in ongoing delays to the development, a comment which was rebuked by Gunnedah Shire Council mayor Jamie Chaffey.

“The Rangari Road issue has gone on long enough, and after discussions with the Minister, I’m pleased a favourable resolution has been reached,” Mr Anderson said.

“Transport for NSW will now take over delivery of the project to ensure a smoother and safer road is finally delivered to the community.

“The community and I are disappointed with the ongoing delays and the time taken to get this project shovel ready has meant the costs have increased.

“The latest delay was a request for further contingency funding on top of the additional $3.3 million we provided in the recent budget.

“The NSW government is investing $15.6 million to the sealing of Rangari Road.”

Mr Anderson said it was time to get the Rangari Road project underway as local communities had enough of the delays.

“Transport have assured that the work will start in the coming months and once finished, I look forward to our community having a safer journey along this important road.”

Following the announcement that the project would be the responsibility of the state government, Cr Chaffey said the upgrade had been unable to proceed because full funding had never been allocated.

“Ultimately, all we have wanted for many years is to have Rangari Road sealed,” Cr Chaffey said.

“We have continually lobbied the NSW government to make this happen to ensure the safety of those who travel along this road daily, but never, despite the 2019 election promise, has the full funding been available for this important project to start.

“We are extremely delighted to learn the NSW government will take on this project, but are unclear about whether the full scope of the project has been fully funded, and are yet to hear details about how it will proceed.

“We are also deeply disappointed that the Member for Tamworth has seen fit to lay the blame for the delay at the door of local government.

“This is unfair and unwarranted when it would have been irresponsible for our councils to proceed with this project without the full funding.

Cr Chaffey said council had continued to go back to the NSW government to fulfil its election promise.

“The latest budget announcement was welcomed, but again failed to deliver the full amount,” Cr Chaffey said.

“This has led to delay after delay with this project.

“We are still unsure how that shortfall will be met, and whether funding has also been allocated for any potential variations or cost overruns.

“We will carefully monitor delivery of this promise.”

The state government’s takeover of the project follows concerns voiced by Gunnedah and Tamworth councils that additional funding announced in the recent state budget would not adequately cover an unexpected cost blowout.

Tamworth Regional Council’s call for tender on the road upgrade saw quotes provided for the development much higher than anticipated.

Twenty kilometres of road are to be widened and bitumised as part of the project.

In total, 30 kilometres of Rangari Road are gravel – 10.2 kilometres in Narrabri Shire, 15.7 kilometres in Gunnedah and 3.8 kilometres in Tamworth.

The stretch of Rangari Road impacted by the unexpected cost blow-out runs from almost four kilometres east of the Gunnedah/Tamworth council area boundary to the Gunnedah/Narrabri council area boundary past Wean Road.