Newell Highway upgrades from Narrabri to Moree. Image: NSW Government
Media Release: Moree Plains Shire Council
The 14.9km project will deliver a new heavy-duty pavement along with wider lanes and shoulder, upgraded intersections, improved drainage and flood resilience, safe property access and upgraded bus stops.
Mayor Cr Susannah Pearse said the Newell Highway upgrade is an important investment in the future of Moree Plains, supporting safer travel, stronger freight connections and continued regional growth.
“This is terrific news for the Moree Plains. The Newell Highway is not only critical to the functioning of our Shire, but also to the nation’s productivity”.
“If the Newell stops, the nation stops. The Moree Plains Shire is the agricultural heart of Australia, growing more than two million tonnes of wheat in the 2024-2025 season alone, but we can only grow it if we can move it”, said Mayor Pearse.
“We greatly thank the Australian and NSW Governments for their continued investment in the safety, liveability and productivity of our shire and region”.
The works will improve safety, reliability and resilience on one of regional NSW’s most significant freight corridors. The project is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Government with early works expected to begin by mid-2027 and construction anticipated to commence in 2028.
This investment marks the next stage of heavy-duty pavement upgrades on the Newell Highway, following the completion of upgrades between Narrabri and Moree in 2025, the North Croppa safety upgrade in 2024 and ongoing work at Tackinbri and South Croppa.
Together with upgrades to the twin Tycannah rest areas south of Moree, these projects will provide continuous upgraded pavement and improved heavy vehicle rest facilities between Narrabri and Boggabilla, making one of Australia’s most important freight routes safer, more reliable and better prepared for future demand.
