PORT Stephens Council will lobby the major parties in the lead up to the 2019 state election in an attempt to secure funding for projects worth an estimated $404 million.
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The council has identified eight projects across the Port as part of its 2019 NSW Election Advocacy Priorities – the big ticket item being a grand total of $290 million for roads in the area, including the completion of the dual carriageway for Nelson Bay Road, the ‘vital’ Fingal link road and money for the duplication of Cabbage Tree/ Tomago roads.
According to Mayor Ryan Palmer the eight projects, which in total appears to be an all encompassing wish list, will allow the council to focus on targeting MPs from the major parties for a commitment on funding for the area.
Cr Ryan Palmer conceded the move was ambitious but was unapologetic in his attempts to focus any discussion on election promises firmly on Port Stephens – whether those discussion be with the Liberals or Labor.
“The initiatives we have nominated are not small and we are unapologetic about that,” he said. “If I were being cheeky, I’d say we’re actually doing the politicians [running for the seat of Port Stephens] a favour, council’s basically written their platform for them.”
Notably, the council will seek $25 million from the state government to put towards improving town centres across the Port, however the estimated $25 million that it intends to co-invest would, in part, be funded by a rate rise subject to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal’s approval.
Six million dollars would also be sought for the Birubi Point Tourism Exchange along with $10 million for the much-talked-about Tomaree Sports Complex.
“These priorities were part of a strategic look at [local] projects that need state help to get them over the line - so we’re not delivering them entirely out of the rate payers pockets. These eight projects have come from extensive community consultation, Cr Palmer said.
“One of the most important pieces of regional infrastructure in the Hunter and northern NSW is the airport at Williamtown, so it’s important we have the right connections around it like Nelson Bay Road, Cabbage Tree, Tomago and Medowie roads and there needs to be funding for those connections.”
The mayor said he understood there was no guarantee funding for the items or even on the amounts committed to any project as an election promise, but he was willing to enter into talks with both sides of government to ensure the ‘priority projects’ were firmly on everyone’s agenda in the lead up to the 2019 election.
Another $36 million is desired for a highway interchange to ensure the development of Kings Hill urban release area with the mayor adding that population targets for the Port relied on the residential development coming to fruition.
Newcastle City’s expansion of education services in the CBD has also prompted the council to seek a slice of the action, proposing the state government invest $2 million in what it calls its “Smart Partnerships Region” which would allow council to forge ahead with discussions with learning institutions such as University of Newcastle and NSW TAFE to create a ‘regional innovation hub’.
Rounding out the wish list is $6 million for coastal erosion work at Sandy point, Corlette and $4 million for critical drainage works in and around Newcastle Airport at Williamtown.
The ambitious move by council comes as the NSW Government released its state budget on Tuesday.
While there was no specific funding for most of the projects included in the council’s wish list, Nelson Bay Road did receive $8.3 million – though it is unclear how much of that was new money.
Port Stephens MP Kate Washington said that while she hadn’t seen a copy of the 2019 NSW Election Advocacy Priorities she would welcome any move that would see the priorities of Port Stephens residents addressed.
“I’m always happy to hear from council and it’s plans,” Ms Washington said. “I look forward to working with them to make sure our community’s needs are addressed.”
Council’s wish list:
- Critical drainage works affecting Williamtown aerospace precinct – $4 million
- Birubi Point Tourism Interchange – $6 million
- Highway interchange for Kings Hill Urban Development – $36 million
- Town centre rejuvenation – $25 million + $25 million (estimate) from council
- Major investment in key roads, including Nelson Bay duplication – $290 million
- Tomaree Sports Complex and King Park complex – $10 million
- Smart Region Partnerships – $2 million
- Urgent coastal management works – $6 million
Also read: Contingency fund for Birubi interchange