Welcoming a massive $1.85 million cash injection to upgrade North Star’s Getta Getta Road, Gwydir Shire Deputy Mayor Catherine Egan, left, Gwydir Shire Council Projects Engineer Leenita Gharwade, Engineering Manager Alex Eddy and Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall.
Thursday, 11 November 2021
BROADACRE farmers in the North Star district will have uninterrupted access to the Newell Highway from the end of 2022, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall today announcing a $1.85 million State Government grant to gravel re-sheet Getta Getta Road, the eastern extension of the important IB Bore Road.
To date, Gwydir Shire Council has received $8.64 million for projects through the State Government’s Fixing Local Roads program.
Mr Marshall said Getta Getta Road was very poor condition, with gravel that rendered the road impassable following small amounts of rain.
“When the Golden Triangle experiences a record harvest, like what is currently underway, we can’t afford there to be any hold-ups in getting grain from the farm to the silo,” Mr Marshall said.
“In its current state Getta Getta Road has poor wet weather serviceability, which means storms often reduce access to both heavy and light vehicles.
“This grant will significantly reduce this inconvenience, with Gwydir Shire Council to undertake a two pavement course re-sheet with dust suppressant binder.
“The project will improve drainage, allowing water to get away during weather events.
“As the eastern arm of the IB Bore Road, Getta Getta Road plays an important role in channelling agricultural freight west onto the Newell Highway.
“With Getta Getta Road and IB Bore Road upgrades both starting in the New Year primary producers will soon be enjoying less costly wear on their vehicles and fewer freight disruptions during planting and harvest.”
Gwydir Shire Deputy Mayor Catherine Egan said Getta Getta Road services one of the most productive agricultural areas within the local government area.
“By providing a two layer, stabilised re-sheet, local enterprise will not be impacted by poor accessibility during wet weather, and poor road conditions during future droughts,” Cr Egan said.
“The project will ensure direct and efficient access to the Newell Highway, via IB Bore Road.
“Further, it will also provide a reasonable foundation for an upgrade to a sealed formation if funds become available in future years.
“Work on Getta Getta Road will commence early next year and be completed by December 2022.
“Up to 20 Council staff and 15 contractors will be employed to undertake the works, providing a boost to the local employment sector.”