A re-elected Federal Liberals and Nationals Government has promised $5 million towards the sealing of Lorne Road between Kew and Comboyne.
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Federal Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie made the announcement with Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Mayor Peta Pinson on Sunday, May 12.
Lorne residents have previously told the Camden Haven Courier the sealing of the road would benefit the community.
Initial estimates to seal and improve the road indicated the cost could be upwards of $20 million.
Phil Bowman lives in Lorne and would like other roads including Stewarts River Road to upgraded too. He said this will enable vital areas to be connected.
Dr Gillespie said he would work with the NSW Government and council to finally complete the sealing work required to improve the safety of the route on Lorne Road.
"The state of this road was one of the biggest issues that locals gave strong feedback on in my Vision 2030 Plan survey," he said.
"An upgrade of this road is well and truly overdue, particularly given the regional economic benefits it would bring.
"There is still at least 12 kilometres of road that needs to be sealed.
"Along the road corridor extending from the Comboyne Plateau to the Lorne Valley, there are nearly 60 businesses with 40 per cent in agriculture alone."
"Some of the freight traffic includes dairy, beef cattle, logging, horticulture, local supplies and fuel, as well as the school bus route and some level of tourist traffic.
"However some of this is limited because of the current unsealed section which has left some transport operators needing to travel via Wauchope to access the Pacific Highway.
"This is an important road and strategic transport link that needs to be sealed. It is the last 'missing link' in the road circuit that connects the various towns and villages throughout the Hastings Valley.
"Importantly, it is a significant route that has a number limitations, and with an upgrade of Lorne road providing better access to the Pacific Motorway, this will deliver major economic benefits to the region."
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Mayor Pinson said the project was a key community priority that deserved support by all levels of government.
"With initial estimates to seal and improve the road at $20 million, this is going to take a joint local, state and federal government effort to see this project through," she said.
"I'm delighted that this commitment has been made."
Deputy Prime Minister and Nationals' Leader Michael McCormack said the project would make the local road and intersection safer and boost productivity.
"This investment is yet another part of the Liberal and Nationals' vision to get people home sooner and safer, no matter where they live," Mr McCormack said.
"It will increase efficiency, productivity and improve the supply chain, which is so important for the local community who use this road every day."