Not great for the Great Western Highway: Labor confirms year long closure
Kellie Sloane
Leader of the Opposition
NSW Liberal Leader
Paul Toole
Shadow Minister for Regional Transport and Roads
Member for Bathurst
The Minns Labor Government has confirmed the Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass will remain closed until at least halfway through 2027, delivering another devastating blow to businesses, freight operators and communities across the Central West.
The confirmation of a lengthy closure and the appointment of contractor Seymour and Whyte, follows months of uncertainty and pressure from the NSW Opposition to provide clarity to those impacted.
While the modest expansion of the business program is welcome, Labor has ignored support for medium to large sized businesses and many communities outside of Oberon, Lithgow, Hartley, Mount Victoria and Blackheath.
Leader of the Opposition Kellie Sloane said the update would come as a devastating blow to regional communities already struggling under the prolonged closure.
"There is white-hot anger in communities that have been cut off, and who will say this compensation package barely touches the sides,” Ms Sloane said.
"After months of delays and broken promises, Labor has finally admitted this closure will continue well into next year. Businesses simply cannot survive another 10 plus months without meaningful support."
Local Member and Shadow Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said given the importance of reconnecting the Great Western Highway, the community deserves to know whether every effort is being made to reopen the road as quickly as possible.
"We welcome the appointment of a contractor, but the community deserves confidence that every possible effort is being made to reopen this critical freight and tourism route as quickly as possible. We want to see work happening 24/7, seven days a week to get this job done asap,” Mr Toole said.
"This isn't just a local road closure, this is a state significant highway and is a major economic issue affecting freight, tourism and regional communities across NSW. I am not convinced this Minister understands the gravity of the situation nor how widespread the devastating effects of this closure are.”
The Great Western Highway is a state significant road and this is believed to be the longest ongoing highway closure in NSW’s history.
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