Tamworth MP and Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Roads Kevin Anderson announced the third round of Fixing Country Roads was now open.

A share of a further $100 million is also available to local councils for upgrades to roads, bridges and truck washes.

“The first two rounds saw the NSW Government commit more than $4.4 million for 10 projects in our region, helping local councils tackle freight bottlenecks that are costing local industries and businesses daily,” Mr Anderson said.

“We are very happy to confirm that $100 million will be made available to eligible councils for projects they believe will deliver significant benefits to their local communities.”

Gunnedah mayor Jamie Chaffey said the council’s top priorities would be rural roads and the Barber Street off-shoot as part of the second road over rail project.

“It [Fixing Country Roads] is one of the best opportunities for us to receive funding for those projects and we will definitely be making an application, as we will be for other projects,” Cr Chaffey said.

He said Grain Valley Way was high on council’s “priority list”, with the projected budget for the road, $8.4 million for the remaining 17.4 kilometres.

“We've had representations far before my time, directly to members of state and federal government in relation to Grain Valley Way and assistance required to address concerns in sealing the road that remains,” Cr Chaffey said.

“It will be disappointing to think if there is not an announcement in this budget to have funds straight away available to address this sealing, then we will certainly be seeking 100 per cent support from the state government once our application is submitted to fund this road.  

“It has been ongoing for a long time so we need to stop talking about it and get in and action it.”