Mullaley, Boggabri and surrounding communities are celebrating the completion of works on Grain Valley Road - a project more than a decade in the making for locals.
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The 17.7 kilometre dangerous stretch of gravel is now sealed, opening up access for road trains to the north-south link between the Oxley and Kamilaroi Highways.
Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson and Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton were joined by members of the community on Thursday to celebrate.
Cr Chaffey said it was great to see so many members of the community in attendance speaking so positively about the difference it's made to their lives.
"It's also very significant for our federal member and our state member to both be there and join us for this important road connection and infrastructure upgrade," he said.
"It was great to see both the state and commonwealth governments contribute $3.85 million each and council contribute the remaining $500,000 to seal the road."
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The jointly-funding project was delivered by Gunnedah Shire Council who bolstered their numbers late last year, bringing in additional contractors to ensure the project was brought in on budget and six months ahead of schedule to be ready by last year's harvest.
"We're seeing increased numbers on the road already which we forecast would happen," Cr Chaffey continued. "So it's a positive outcome for all."
Next on the priority list for Gunnedah shire roads is Mystery Road, Clifton Road and Rangari Road.
The project is one of more than $50 million in infrastructure projects happening this year alone within the Gunnedah Shire Council.
Mark Coulton MP said the project's completion marked an important milestone for members of the local community who had worked hard with governments to secure the funding.
"The Grain Valley Road upgrade is a major win for the local community and a credit to the hard work and foresight from all levels of government to get this project off the ground," Mr Coulton said.
State Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson added that the project would not only deliver quicker and safer journeys for motorists, but it's also created 12 local jobs during a challenging time when they're needed most in the local community.