Mounting Concerns Over Wollombi Road Project
BY NERRIN WARR
The Wollombi Road Project Review of Environmental Factors (REF) is now on exhibition in Cessnock for an extended period as objection to the $45million project grows.
“The extended public exhibition timeframe is designed to provide an even greater opportunity for community members to review the documents, gain an understanding of the project and provide feedback”, said Cessnock Mayor Jay Suvaal.
Stage 1, funded through NSW Accelerated Infrastructure Fund and development contributions, includes a 2.9km section of Wollombi Rd, adding two lanes each way between Cox Street, Bellbird Heights, and West Avenue.
Stage 2, a 1km upgrade between West Avenue and Vincent Street, is not funded however, grant funding is being pursued.
The community continues to express concerns regarding consultation, loss of parking and four-lane clearway plans, access, business impacts, entry/exit congestion, and budget transparency: expressing a preference for a bypass and seeking more details on its planning and funding.
Council has acknowledged community concerns stating they are also working on a bypass.
However, Council says maintaining Wollombi Road works will still be required to address current and future traffic needs.
“Modelling shows that the Cessnock LGA will almost double in size by 2041. It’s critical that the Wollombi Road upgrade meets the needs of our rapidly growing community and your feedback is invaluable to achieving this outcome,” said Cr Suvaal.
Community groups opposed to the project have organised various events including Town Hall Meetings and protest marches.
The “Save the Wollombi Road Car Convoy” held Sunday, March 24, demonstrated further their concerns and Councillors and Candidates attended to answer REF questions.
Jess Jurd, Dan Watton, Ian Olsen, Mark Mason, Naomi Smith, Quinton King, Tracey Harrington and Sharon Kennedy, spoke to the crowd.
‘With our extensive LGA, it’s crucial to think strategically with the limited funds we have,” Cr Watton emphasised.
“No one denies there is traffic on this road, but four lanes for $45M is not going to fix it, a bypass makes much more sense,” said Cr Jurd.
Cessnock City Council has scheduled the following events to engage the community:
- April 3,Cessnock Leagues club 6pm to 8pm
- April 8, Paxton Pub, 5pm to 7pm
- April 13, Bellbird Hotel 10am to 2pm
- April 17, Digital town Hall on Facebook Live 4pm to 5pm
Councillors and Candidates have scheduled additional community hubs through to May 3 to engage the community: Mondays and Wednesdays: West End Pharmacy 10am to 12pm; Tuesdays and Thursdays The Fox Hat 10am to 12pm; Tuesday evenings: East Cessnock Bowling Club Auditorium 6pm to 8pm; Fridays: The Knock Café 10am to 12pm.
The REF documents are now on exhibition at Council’s administration building, Cessnock and Kurri Libraries and can also be accessed online on Council’s website at https://together.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/wollombi-road-ref.