Davey Road interchange upgrade completion shapes as game changer in Albury jobs push

The $15.8 million project bankrolled by the federal and state governments began late last year with a full diamond interchange tipped to be operating within weeks.

Albury's Nexus industrial hubs will be one of the big beneficiaries of the upgrade with the Hume Freeway crossing also being identified as part of the fix to growing traffic issues in the Thurgoona-Wirlinga growth corridor with linkages to Elizabeth Mitchell Drive and Kerr Road.

Six years ago the works plunged into doubt when $7 million in federal funding was handed back when a matching amount couldn't be sourced.

The Davey Road interchange was created as part of Hume Freeway works completed in 2007, but only with north facing off ramps.

The industrial area north of Albury is one of four state government identified regional jobs precincts along with the Namoi and Richmond Valley areas in the north of the state and South Jerrabomberra on the outskirts of Queanbeyan.

"As one of only four NSW locations chosen for a Regional Job Precinct, Albury is in prime position to benefit from this exciting program which will deliver great opportunities for a young, skilled, and growing workforce," Albury Council chief executive Frank Zaknich said.

"Key to the process of creating jobs at Nexus will be the work we're doing with the government to reduce the barriers to businesses looking to invest at the site.

"By cutting red tape, reducing delays, and simplifying planning processes, we'll be able to provide greater certainty to companies looking to invest in major projects.

"The RJP progress comes at an opportune time, with construction of the new freeway access ramps at Davey Road set for completion this year.

"By enhancing fast road access to market places around the country, the ramps will further boost the appeal of Nexus to investors."

IN OTHER NEWS

Australian Industry Group's Tim Farrah said a "perfect storm" could be about to unfold.

"We've got skilled labour looking to leave the city and come to the regions," he said.

"You've now got a really good estate sitting there with good road access.

"And when a company is looking to build a new site it would make Albury very attractive.

"But they are big blocks of land on offer and your target market is big manufacturers and they always need a lot of space.

"One of the keys to manufacturing these days is it is very high-tech.

"Having the right workforce is absolutely crucial when they are looking to set up in an area.

"Can they find the skilled staff to make it work?"

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: