THE Nelson Bay Road duplication between Fern Bay and Anna Bay remains unfunded two budgets after Premier Mike Baird promised the upgrade.
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Despite the government's 2016 budget-boast it would spend $74 million on Hunter road projects, Nelson Bay Road is not one of them.
Neither has the Fingal Bay link road received funds beyond planning.
The $70 million duplication pledge was made in exchange for a 99-year lease of the Port of Newcastle and the electricity distribution network if the Baird government was re-elected.
"We have made a significant contribution to the state's coffers and this should be returned to our communities," Port Stephens MP Kate Washington said.
"It was more than reasonable for the electorate to expect an allocation to these projects in the budget. "
Roads and Maritime Services has begun its study of Nelson Bay pinch points as the first step Mr Baird announced in March 2015.
"Our delivery record speaks for itself," Mr Baird said at the time. "The $45 million stage three upgrade of the Nelson Bay Road was announced, designed and construction started inside four years by this government.”
The next election is not until 2019 but Ms Washington said time was of the essence.
"The money [promised] is unlikely to be enough but its a moot point because there's no allocation in this budget," she said.
The Treasurer Gladys Berejiklian’s office declined to comment on when an allocation is likely in deference to the RMS.
“In 2015-16 $200,000 was provided to develop a business case and corridor strategy for Nelson Bay Road from Stockton to Nelson Bay,” an RMS spokeswoman said.
“The business case and strategy will need to be completed before any further funding is provided.”
The RMS expects to conduct community consultation in coming months.
“The corridor strategy is under way and [RMS] is assessing the condition of the road to identify the need for potential road safety improvements such as realignment, duplication or intersection upgrades along the corridor as well as intersection upgrades,” she said.
The council said its $3 million grant was adequate to cover planning and land acquisition however the latter is ongoing.
“Council is in discussions with a land holder in regards to acquisition of the necessary land for construction of the Fingal Bay Bypass,” a council spokesman said.
“Following any possible acquisition, a number of studies and designs will be required before construction of this project can begin – these include Environmental Assessments, Traffic Studies and Geotechnical Investigations.”
But the land acquisitions could prove the vital step.
“With these required planning and design works only being valid for several years after completion, council will wait for an agreement on acquisition before progressing any further,” he said.