Mayor's Column - 13 June 2012 - Lake Macquarie Transport Interchange
Date Posted: 13 June 2012
Last week’s announcement of $7m from the Federal Government’s Regional Development Australia Fund for the Lake Macquarie Transport Interchange at Glendale came as a huge relief for the many who have been wondering if it would ever start.
The allocation of Federal funds as announced by Federal Member for Charlton, Greg Combet, delivers on his commitment to the project and rightly makes this important project one that all tiers of government have ownership of. Funds have been promised by the State government since its election and this support was, and remains, absolutely crucial.
The Federal funds will allow the project to be commenced in stages with the first stage being the construction of road extending Stockland Drive Glendale to Main Road Cardiff. This is an important part of the final project but in itself will be hugely beneficial in improving traffic flows around this area.
The construction of the proposed Interchange is recognised as being of real benefit to not just Lake Macquarie residents but to residents in the broader region. This will come from the great increase in utility of our public transport network once operational. It is because of the obvious benefits that the Interchange has been supported by so many, including Hunter Councils, Regional Development Australia’s Hunter board, Hunter business groups, and most importantly local members including Member for Charlestown, Andrew Cornwell, and Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery.
We only have three years in which to spend the funds, so I am very keen to see all final plans and approvals completed so that we can get going as soon as possible. While this is being done, Council will no doubt be working to secure the funds needed for the next section being the Pennant St Bridge. My thanks to all who have been involved in keeping this great project alive, and for getting it to this stage.
Article by Mayor Greg Piper