Wyong Chamber calls for funding of Highway upgrade

Northbound congestion on the Pacifi c Highway in the Wyong Town CentreNorthbound congestion on the Pacific Highway in the Wyong Town Centre

There has still been no money allocated for the Pacific Hwy upgrade through Wyong Town Centre, and the Wyong Regional Chamber of Commerce wants action.

The Chamber has set up a change.org petition and is seeking to gather 10,000 signatures to support the call for the roadworks to be funded. It is urging the community not to accept the NSW Government’s inaction and to sign the petition to push for funding to be announced in June. Road and Maritime Services have completed the first phase of the project, along with a completed concept design and environmental assessment. Mr Ron Stevens, President of Wyong Regional Chamber of Commerce, said he was calling on the NSW Premier, Ms Gladys Berejiklian, to allocate funding in the State Government’s June 10 budget.

“The funding for this project is long overdue and we need the dates for construction to be announced,” Mr Stevens said. “The Wyong community is sick and tired of being overlooked,” he said. The 2.4km upgrade will benefit local business by reducing congestion and improving travel times, as every day, 30,000 vehicles use this part of the highway. The planned works will provide two lanes in each direction on the highway, between Johnson Rd and Cutler Dve, thus improving safety and accessibility for all road users. “The Art House is open; new cafes are open; Aldi is open; shop tenancies have increased.

“The future of Wyong’s Central Business District is looking bright, but still no money has been allocated for the Pacifi c Hwy upgrade through Wyong Town Centre. “It will reduce the current tail back that causes massive delays and frustration to drivers. “The funding, if provided by the NSW Government, will show a commitment to the people and businesses of Wyong, as well as provide opportunities for growth and development for businesses in the Wyong area.”

The change.org petition is from the concerned residents and businesses from the Central Coast and the electorate of Wyong. It brings to the attention of the House the request for immediate action for the Government of NSW to allocate funds for the design and construction phase of the Pacifi c Hwy upgrade through Wyong Town Centre. Member for Wyong, and Shadow Minister for the Central Coast, Mr David Harris, joined the Chamber in calling for funding for the Pacific Hwy upgrade through the Wyong Town Centre to be included in this year’s State budget. Mr Harris said that the project had dragged on for 15 years and cost $15 million, leaving the community fed up with waiting.

He said: “Wyong and the Central Coast expect the Liberal Government to fund essential road upgrades such as this and not divert money to prop up their Sydneycentric transport projects. “Business and Local Government are doing their job by making the Wyong Town Centre the most alive it has been in years. “The upcoming Budget should contain funding for a substantial start on this project which will already take several years to complete.”

Source: Media release, May 1 Mary-Anne Beckers, Wyong Regional Chamber of Commerce Website, May 4 Change.org Media release, May 2 Zachary Harrison, office of David Harris