The Mayors, General Managers and State and Federal Members have met to discuss the future of highway bypasses in Singleton and Muswellbrook as construction is likely to begin by the end of this year.

Representatives from Transport for NSW were also in attendance to provide updates following further funding allocations in the recent State Budget.

The meeting included Mayor of Singleton, Cr Sue Moore; Deputy Mayor of Singleton, Cr Tony Jarrett; Singleton Council General Manager, Jason Linnane; Mayor of Muswellbrook, Cr Steve Reynolds; Muswellbrook Shire Council General Manager, Fiona Plesman; Member for Upper Hunter, Dave Layzell; and Federal Member for Hunter, Dan Repacholi.

The meeting was timely as the bypass projects continue to be a high priority for residents under the adopted Create Singleton 2032 Community Strategic Plan (CSP) and the Muswellbrook Shire Council Community Strategic Plan.

Mayor of Singleton, Cr Sue Moore said it was appropriate for Singleton and Muswellbrook councils to work together on the delivery of the projects, as well as ensure the best social and economic outcomes for both communities with future uses of the existing roadway.

“I can understand that many people are questioning whether progress is being made on the bypasses, and Transport for NSW have provided a thorough overview of the work that is happening and what needs to be done to allow construction to commence,” Sue said.

“We’ve been told we’ll start seeing works on the ground later this year, and construction will take three years.

“At the same time, we need to start planning now for the opportunities the bypass will bring to encourage people into our towns to build on economic and social development.”

Muswellbrook Shire Council’s General Manager, Fiona Plesman reassured the community that construction would finish on time.

“After a very long wait, the communities of Muswellbrook Shire can be confident that the bypass will be delivered by the end of 2026,” Fiona said.

IMAGE | (L-R) Anna Zycki, Regional Director North, Transport for NSW; Mayor of Singleton Cr Sue Moore; Member for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell; Singleton Council General Manager Jason Linnane; Mayor of Muswellbrook Shire Cr Steve Reynolds; Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi; Chad Griffiths; Deputy Mayor of Singleton Cr Tony Jarrett; Singleton Council Director Corporate and Commercial Services Dwight Graham; Muswellbrook Shire Council General Manager Fiona Plesman.

LIGHTBOX | Singleton City Council