Road Freight NSW (RFNSW) has welcomed the Albanese Government’s additional $100 million in funding to rebuild and future-proof the Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass, but says more financial relief must be provided to struggling freight operators who continue to be impacted by the lengthy road closure.
The funding matches the $100 million already committed by the Minns NSW Government, bringing the joint funding package to $200 million, with the combined investment delivering a much-needed eastbound climbing lane, widening the critical road link between the Blue Mountains and the Central West.
RFNSW Chief Executive Officer, Simon O’Hara, said the additional funding from the Commonwealth was ‘welcome news’, given the ongoing operational disruptions and costs experienced by transport operators.
Mr O’Hara said two recent accidents on the Darling Causeway had exposed the practical consequences of the detour. In one case, an RFNSW member’s truck could not be turned around and the driver had no option but to wait until the incident was cleared; in another, police escorted heavy vehicles back to an alternative route.
“These disruptions are adding hours to already demanding trips, creating fatigue-management and compliance pressures through no fault of the driver, and leaving operators to carry extra fuel, overtime and vehicle costs. The closure of the highway is taking its toll on our members who use the highway,” Mr O’Hara said.
“RFNSW has been pushing for greater certainty and clarity around project delivery timelines, funding and resources, which is why we’re obviously very pleased that the Albanese Government has listened, stepped up and matched the Minns Government’s funding commitment.
“This will help ensure that the highway is not only repaired, but widened with a climbing lane and future-proofed against long-term structural issues.
“However, the clock is ticking. The highway is the lifeblood for freight movements between the Central West and the Blue Mountains and its prolonged closure is continuing to place further financial strain on RFNSW members.
“It’s imperative that this combined funding package results in a safe, efficient engineering solution for the highway, allowing it to re-open on schedule without delays.
“In the interim, we’re calling on the NSW Government to fund a practical, industry-led safety, risk-mitigation and education program, delivered in conjunction with RFNSW and specialist road-safety, insurance and research partners. It should provide operators and the community with clear resources on safer use of the detour, fatigue and scheduling risks, breakdowns and incident response.
“Credible proposals capable of delivering this work are already on the table. This program must sit alongside targeted relief for the unavoidable fuel, wage, overtime and vehicle costs created by the detour. Operators should not be left to absorb the financial and safety consequences of the closure while practical solutions remain unfunded.”
Major works for the reconstruction of the highway are underway, with an expected re-opening to traffic in the second quarter of 2027.
About us:
Originating in 1893, Road Freight NSW (RFNSW) is the peak industry organisation for the road and freight industry in NSW and and engages in advocacy, government and media relations on behalf of members.
Contact details:
RFNSW media contact:
Richard Lenarduzzi 0411 254 390
