Anne Urquhart (Braddon, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Through the Australian government's $150 million Remote Roads Upgrade Pilot Program, the Albanese Labor government is backing projects that strengthen our regional communities. As part of this program, Central Coast Council received $7.5 million for the Ironcliffe Road upgrade, which I officially opened last week. The project has upgraded 8.6 kilometres of Ironcliffe Road with road widening and sealing, safer curves, upgraded intersections and lighting, new line marking, safety barriers and footpaths. These works have delivered safer travel for all road users, improved access for residents and stronger connections for farms, businesses and homes right along this important road.

Importantly, the upgrade increases freight capacity for high-productivity vehicles—a lot of farming and tourism businesses are up this road—supporting the efficiency and growth of our local agricultural sector. I also especially want to acknowledge the contractor on this project, Hardings Group, a Tasmanian owned and operated company and a cornerstone of our state's civil construction industry. This year, Harding celebrates 40 years of operation, growing from a two-person business into a trusted and respected business, employing more than 100 Tasmanians. Their local knowledge, skilled workforce and long-term commitment in Tasmania are critical to delivering high-quality infrastructure that regional communities rely on.

See this speech in context