The Federal Government will provide $10 million funding for the Northern Gateway project.

The Northern Gateway project includes the construction of a road freight interchange terminal at the northern entrance of Taree to the Pacific Highway, comprising a hardstand area for truck movements, parking and wash-down facilities and two warehouses.

A new two-lane dual-carriageway bypass of Cundletown including a new bridge across the DawsonRiver will also be built, as well as improvements to Taree Airport Precinct’s access roads. This will support the effectiveness of freight movements around northern Taree and to and from the interchange facility

These improvements to the local road network are said to be regionally significant and will help speed up the distribution of inbound and outbound freight for surrounding areas including Forster, Taree, Gloucester, Port Macquarie and Kempsey.

The ManningValley is well placed for a transport hub and this project is designed to reduce freight costs for local businesses and expand local industries. It will also take heavy vehicles off residential and town roads so that large trucks will no longer need to drive through local streets.

The project is due for completion by late 2016. (100)