Gunnedah shire mayor Jamie Chaffey says this year's state budget is "one of the best results" he's seen yet.
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On Tuesday, Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson's budget announcements included $53 million for Gunnedah District Hospital, about $9 million to seal Rangari Road, $19.612 million for Gunnedah's second rail overpass, $3.36 million for a Gunnedah TAFE upgrade, $3.85 for Grain Valley Road, $3 million for Kamilaroi Highway upgrades, and funding for Gunnedah Rail Station.
"I think this result is one of the best results we've had in many years out of a state budget," Cr Chaffey told the NVI.
"How long has it been since we've been in this position?
"I think that's what happens when you've got good commitment of three levels of government working together well. I'm very proud of Gunnedah Shire Council and our ability to work to deliver the aspirations of our community and put so many projects forward and get government support to make sure we can deliver them as our community continues to grow even in tough times like the drought we're currently in."
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On Wenesday, a spokesperson for Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) told the NVI that $2 million was allocated for road work near Breeza Station's silos, and $1 million was allocated for work on pavement repairs near Silo Road, just north of Gunnedah.
"The work includes removing the existing road surface and placing new material to improve safety and reduce the need for ongoing maintenance," they said.
"These projects will be delivered by Gunnedah Shire Council, and Road and Maritime Services and council are currently determining the schedule of the two projects."
Cr Chaffey is now anticipating catching up with Mr Anderson.
"I'm waiting to go through some details of funds allocated in this year's budget with our member when he comes out of parliament on Friday," Cr Chaffey said.
"I'm very excited and looking forward to congratulating him on his hard work getting such financial commitment within this budget result. Understandably, it's competitive right through NSW, with many looking for funds."
Cr Chaffey said the funds for the rail-over-road bridge would enable "works to continue as per work scheduling and plans".
An RMS spokesperson told the NVI that work was "progressing" on the construction of piers and abutments, including completion of earthworks on the southern abutment of the bridge.
"Two girders have been poured, with the remainder being manufactured and transported to site in the coming months," the spokesperson said.
The works on Grain Valley Road will soon be under way, according to Cr Chaffey.
"It's working to our schedule, which is in line with the commitment we've made to funding agreement with the state government. It's a big project and we want to make sure it is done well and done right.
"I know a lot of people in the community are anticipating the road being sealed and so am I."
Cr Chaffey said he was "pleasantly surprised" by the amount for Gunnedah's TAFE upgrade, which will "help to address some of the concerns we have with the shortage of some skills throughout our community".