The next steps in the sealing of Rangari and Werris Creek roads will be announced in the coming weeks, according to Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson.
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Mr Anderson said in a media release on Thursday that he had been in "constant contact" with Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Paul Toole, and had been "working hard" on the projects for locals.
"I travel this road regularly as the local MP and have been knocking on doors in parliament to get support for an upgrade of this important thoroughfare," he said.
"I am looking forward to making some announcements on the next steps on these important projects in the coming weeks."
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Gunnedah shire mayor Jamie Chaffey was pleased to hear that new developments for Rangari Road may come to light soon.
"Council have made it very clear over a number of years the importance of sealing and upgrading Rangari Road as part of our infrastructure," Cr Chaffey told Australian Community Media.
"I have had many conversations and written to Mr Anderson requesting urgent action on behalf of council and community and I am hopeful that a clear pathway forward will be advised to council in a very short time-frame as alluded to in the media release.
"The sealing of Rangari Road is of high importance for the safety of the road users from both industry and primary industry, but also of high importance as we look towards the future growth and opportunities for our economy into the future."
The MP made election commitments during the 2019 state election that he would seal the roads if re-elected, but more than 12 months on, some have voiced their scepticism that the promise will be realised.
Shooters, Fishers and Farmers representative Jeff Bacon said it was easy for Mr Anderson "to say he has been 'knocking on doors' ... but the fact is, this was an election promise, with price tags attached".
"We are now a year and a half from the election without any action. I can understand why the people of Manilla and Werris Creek feel cheated and let down, they absolutely have been," Mr Bacon said.
"The Liberal/National state government made a commitment to take over the control and maintenance of these roads [and] they won the election, [so] there should be no delay."
However, Mr Anderson is adamant that the roads will be sealed.
"Rangari Road is a key link between the mining industry surrounding Boggabri and the community of Manilla and I am aware it represents a significant maintenance burden for the Tamworth Regional and Gunnedah Shire Councils," he said.
"Werris Creek Road has always been a priority for me and this is why I made it an election commitment."