A political stoush has erupted between Labor MP Kate Washington and the Liberal Party over the state government's commitment to deliver on the $275 million duplication of Nelson Bay Road.
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After Ms Washington accused the government of voting against its election commitment in Parliament on September 26, a spokesperson for the Minister for Transport and Roads, Paul Toole, declared he was "not interested in playing Labor's political games in Parliament".
"The NSW Government has been very clear that it is committed to delivering on the duplication of Nelson Bay Road between Williamtown and Bobs Farm. We will do our homework first to ensure the best outcome for the local community," the spokesperson said.
"This involves careful consideration of the environment and consulting with the community on the preferred alignment which is currently underway.
"Roads and Maritime Services will consider the feedback from this consultation and report back to the community in late 2019 on planning and next steps for the upgrade, including timelines for target construction start dates.
"Work on Medowie Road intersection was completed in July 2019 and early work on Lemon Tree Passage intersection will commence in December."
Ms Washington said that she was "shocked and appalled" with the government when her motion calling on the government to honour its $275 million commitment to duplicate Nelson Bay Road between Williamtown and Bobs Farm was defeated in parliament 41 votes to 37.
"Considering the government's terrible track record delivering on their previous Nelson Bay Road commitment, this decision will cause significant concerns among residents in Port Stephens. Premier Gladys Berejiklian herself voted against the motion, along with all her Liberal and National colleagues," she said.
"The government refused to support their own commitment, and they refused to say why. The people of Port Stephens have waited long enough. If the government can't vote for its own election commitment, what hope do we have to see the project delivered on time or at all?
"I just want the government to respect the community and do what they said they'd do for once. After this vote, it appears even that's too much to ask."
Route alignment options for the duplication of Nelson Bay Road from Williamtown to Bobs Farm are out for community consultation until October 11.
To lodge a submission go to rms.nsw.gov.au/projects/hunter/nelson-bay-road-from-williamtown-to-bobs-farm/index.html or phone Nelson Bay Road Project on 1800 512 277.
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