In a positive move for the Hunter region, the NSW Government has agreed to deliver a full interchange for the Singleton Bypass with the Putty Road. The move comes as a result of widespread community feedback, and advocacy by the Hunter JO in collaboration with Singleton Council, aimed at delivering meaningful connection across the region. The NSW Government has also committed to consulting further with the Muswellbrook community to ensure that the Muswellbrook bypass is effective.

At its February meeting, the Hunter JO Board noted the importance of an effective bypass for Singleton, and the role that this key piece of infrastructure plays for the wider region. The Board acknowledged that the existing concept designs and supporting modelling for the bypass did not properly address the growth being experienced in the region, with similar issues experienced in other LGAs.

The Board provided unanimous support for advocacy to improve the bypass plans, arranging a meeting with Minister for Regional Roads and Transport, the Hon. Paul Toole MP, to discuss the impacts on the community and industry across the Hunter region if a full bypass was not delivered for Singleton. Cr Bob Pynsent, Chair of the Hunter JO and Mayor of Cessnock, along with Cr Sue Moore, Mayor of Singleton, and CEO Joe James, attended a positive meeting with the Minister, addressing;

• That the concept designs and supporting modelling for the bypass did not properly address growth being experienced within the region;
• That this decision, and similar infrastructure decisions, play a role in accelerating or limiting future growth and placemaking outcomes by shaping connection between and access to towns like Singleton.

Following subsequent meetings with Singleton Council and the broader community, the commitment to a full bypass has now been announced by the NSW Government. The Hunter JO is proud to have been a part of this effort of intergovernmental collaboration, and to have been able to provide regional support to Singleton Council on an initiative that will play a key role for the region.

As plans for the Singleton and Muswellbrook bypasses continue to develop, we look forward to seeing how local leadership and regional collaboration can continue to provide positive outcomes for the Hunter region.

Read the NSW Government’s announcement here: www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/community-feedback-delivers-better-bypasses-for-singleton-and-muswellbrook