Nationals’ candidate Kevin Anderson, Labor candidate Stephen Mears, independent candidate Mark Rodda, and Shooters, Fishers, and Farmers candidate Jeff Bacon have all cited issues with the road.

The issues include safety, increasing traffic, and its significance as a freight and access route.

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Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson said he was working hard to continue the push for the project to go forward, despite Narrabri Shire Council’s opposite stance on the issue.

“Rangari Road is an important link between Tamworth, Manilla and Boggabri and the increase of daily traffic with the development of mines in the Boggabri area helps the proposal fit under the Resources for Regions criteria,” Mr Anderson said.

“I know that an upgrade will improve road safety, cost savings to motorists in terms of reduced travel times and less ‘wear and tear’ on vehicles, freight and access route for mining and agriculture, and direct access from the east to mining operations.”

Labor candidate Stephen Mears said regional NSW “has suffered too long,” and something needed to be done.

Shooters, Fishers, and Farmers candidate Jeff Bacon echoed this, and said “the community has had enough”, while independent candidate Mark Rodda said he supported the sealing “150 per cent”.

“It’s dangerous – I’ve travelled it frequently and it needs the upgrade,” Mr Rodda said.

“Funds injected into those [smaller] communities would go a long way in boosting their infrastructure levels and make it a better place for those living there.”

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