Purlewaugh Road Upgrade

The Australian Government has unlocked $2.4 million to upgrade a strategically important road in the Warrumbungle Shire, with construction due to get underway by the end of the year.

The $3 million Purlewaugh Road Upgrade is being jointly funded with Warrumbungle Shire Council to facilitate road train access to major business sites in the Hunter Valley.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said enabling freight to take a more direct route to the Upper Hunter Valley meant lower business costs.

“By making these trips 51 kilometres shorter, these works will support regional jobs and investment,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“This is another example of the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government’s $4.9 billion investment in the Roads of Strategic Importance initiative being delivered.

“Nationwide, we are investing in projects like this to help connect regional businesses to local and international markets, and better link up regional communities – to help secure our economic recovery.”

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said the project will deliver approximately 10 kilometres of upgrades to two separate sections of Purlewaugh Road.

“These works will provide a safer connection for motorists travelling between Coonabarabran and Quirindi,” Mr Coulton said.

“Our investment is part of a broader commitment to deliver targeted upgrades along the Toowoomba to Seymour corridor, including the Newell Highway, which contributes to the competitiveness of Australia's agriculture and mining sectors.”

Warrumbungle Shire Mayor Ambrose Doolan welcomed the federal funding support.

“This is a great local example of Council working with the Australian Government to deliver the road infrastructure Central West businesses and communities need and deserve,” Cr Doolan said.

“This joint investment will deliver critical upgrades including road widening and sealing, as well as the rehabilitation of two curves.”

Funded under the nationwide Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) initiative, the Australian Government has committed $2.4 million to fund the $3 million Purlewaugh Road Upgrade in partnership with Warrumbungle Shire Council. 

More information on the ROSI initiative is available at: https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/key_projects/initiatives/roads_strategic_importance.aspx.

Purlewaugh road Joint Media Release


Project Update

June 2023

The work on the Purlewaugh Road Upgrade project has been completed and sealed. The works were carried out by both contractor and Council’s own workforce. The works were funded under the ROSI (Roads of Strategic Importance) program and have been completed within the allocated funding. The duration of the work was significantly extended due to both the exceptionally wet weather period and the disruption of the supply of lime in NSW.

Newly sealed works near Purlewaugh 16062023