Kate Fraser’s approach to funding Upper Hunter roads

KATE Fraser, independent candidate for the upcoming Upper Hunter by-election said if elected, she will fight to increase rural road funding to match kilometres, not just the number of motorists travelling on them.

“No matter where I am in the Upper Hunter electorate, the first question asked is what can I do about the roads?” said Ms Fraser.

“Road funding is calculated on a per capita basis, so country areas are never going to be able to realistically maintain roads,” she said.

“Rural areas don’t count when it comes to government policy, rural roads should be funded per kilometre, not per capita,” she said.

“The people who make these policies need to experience a drive on our roads first hand and then rethink what would work in the country too, not just for the city,” said Kate Fraser.

Ms Fraser said voters should look beyond funding promises made by other political parties and look towards long-term solutions for Upper Hunter road maintenance.

“Before an election the government begins to throw money around and country people are hopeful of change but this will never get our roads up to a satisfactory level, so the overall approach to funding our roads needs to change,” Ms Fraser said.

“We pay the same taxes as people in the city but do not receive the funding to get our roads to a safe standard,” she said.

“Country roads will continue to get worse until our policies are changed and that change should be based on a per kilometre basis, not a per capita basis,” said Kate Fraser.

For more information on where candidates stand: Voting 101: Upper Hunter by-election.