PM pops in to deliver on infrastructure funding

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was on the Central Coast on Wednesday, June 12, to deliver on the Federal Government’s $2.5M pledge to fund a new building for the Kincumber Roos Soccer Club.

Braving icy winds at Frost Reserve, the PM also outlined the Government’s critical investments in transport and infrastructure in the region.

“At the 2022 election, we committed $2.5M to fully fund a new building for the Kincumber Roos,” he said.

“This includes a new clubhouse, change and bathrooms, canteen and carpark – a better, safer space to bring the community together.

“(Member for Robertson) Gordon Reid has been a very strong advocate for this community and for this project.

“The club has grown enormously and quite clearly it has outgrown the facilities here.

“These will be moved so they are between the two main  ovals, improving accessibility and experience of the club.

“We’re determined to fulfill the commitments we made during the election campaign.

“Community facilities like the Kincumber Roos Soccer Club are the soul of local communities, providing a place to gather and connect.

“This is why my Government is committed to supporting local infrastructure, and why regional Australia is so important to our plan for a resilient and prosperous nation.”

Albanese said along with community infrastructure, the Government was investing in roads to improve safety and reduce congestion.

The region will benefit from the Government’s increase to the Roads to Recovery Program, with Central Coast Council receiving $24M over the next five years – over $10M more than they were forecast to receive under the previous Government.

“This means more money than ever before to spend on maintenance such as fixing potholes, upgrading pavements and improving drainage,” the PM said.

Critical projects being funded include the Avoca Dr upgrade, which includes widening the section between Carrak Rd and Killuna Rd to improve traffic flow and safety.

This is due to commence construction in mid-2025 and be completed by late 2028.

Central Coast Highway upgrades, which include improving the intersection between Central Coast Hwy and Tumbi Rd and fixing the notorious bottleneck between Wamberal and Bateau Bay, are underway under a $40M commitment made at the 2022 election.

This adds to the $86.5M Central Coast Roads Package which continues to progress, with the Government fully funding 29 individual road projects across the region.

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King, who accompanied the PM on his Coast visit, said the Government is investing in a better future for Australia, building economic opportunity and prosperous communities.

“Our Government is working for all Australians to deliver significant infrastructure that connects communities, stimulates jobs and builds the future of our nation,” she said.

Welcoming the Minister and PM to the region, Reid said the Roads to Recovery funding injection will make it easier for Central Coast Council to progress priority road projects that the community is calling out for.