More than two decades after the first official exploration at a state level, the federal government says it will chip in more than $260 million to build a bypass around a key New South Wales coal town.
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce made the announcement in Muswellbrook, in the marginal Labor-held seat of Hunter.
"The money is locked in — it's in the budget," he said.
"No silly little games that we're going to make a promise before the election and then it [disappears] … no, it's locked in."
But it is a promise Muswellbrook locals have heard for more than 20 years.
A November 2000 press release detailed three options for the bypass route, along with an initial costing of $35m, or $58m today.
"All planning, design, land acquisition and environmental investigation should be completed by April 2001, after which construction can begin," the release from National Party senator Sandy Macdonald said.
When asked if the project would finally commence, Mr Joyce said the Coalition had been delivering similar projects in NSW
"Judge us by our actions," he said.
"The Scone bypass — it's not a mirage, it's there.
Waiting game
Despite the promise of a 2027 delivery from the federal and state governments, 76-year-old rural and water agent John Flood is sure he'll be six feet under before the bypass arrives.
"It will not be built in my time," he said.
"Why? Because of procrastination from [government} and planning," he said.
Mr Flood said the bypass was exactly what Muswellbrook needed for its future, despite being convinced there would not be a "turn of soil" by his 82nd birthday in 2027.
"I think it would be a marvellous thing — I dare say it will rejuvenate the town," he said.
He argued that the initial change businesses may experience due to loss of highway traffic would be minimal and that the route could actually "engender" tourism in Muswellbrook.
"[The bypass] will bring people into the CBD, and facilitate an increase in business," Mr Flood said.
'Priority' for the region
The bypass will divert New England Highway traffic, including thousands of freight trucks per day, away from the heart of Muswellbrook.
NSW Regional Roads Minister Sam Farraway said early work would begin on the bypass soon, as well as a similar bypass at Singleton, to Muswellbrook's south.
"We will do our best to progress both these projects in a similar time-frame if possible," he said.
"We'll aim to finish this bypass by 2027.
