Qualified success over dangerous Kariong intersection

Kariong Intersection

Member for Robertson, Ms Lucy Wicks MP delivered an update to the 3,000 residents who signed a petition to address an accident-prone intersection in Kariong, with Gosford City Council outlining a plan to fully fund the upgrade.

“The dangerous black spot on the corner of the busy Woy Woy Rd and Langford Dve in Kariong has been the scene of at least 16 accidents in recent years,” Ms Wicks said. “It is just metres away from a community centre, a childcare centre, tennis courts, homes and small businesses.

“In the lead-up to the 2013 election, I pledged to fight to get this intersection fixed. “Together with some great local residents such as Peter Pauling, Fiona Lloyd and Yvonne Hart, we gathered a petition of around 3,000 signatures calling for action. “The funding required by Gosford Council at the time was $675,000. “I am proud to say that the Coalition Government delivered on this funding in the last two budgets. “But as I stand here today, the intersection still has not been fixed and Council has now advised that the cost has gone up to $1 million.

“We have seen some vital progress from council with a motion moved by Cr Bob Ward and seconded by Cr Jeff Strickson and amended by the deputy mayor, Cr Craig Doyle, to ask what was happening. “The outcome is that council will request that the NSW Government’s Roads and Maritime Services commit, with Council, to a 50/50 funding of the shortfall to help build a midblock signalised pedestrian crossing.

“It is welcome news and I thank Gosford Council for their decision. “But what we really need to see are shovels in the ground soon before another accident happens. “I look forward to continuing to work with Council and fight for our Kariong residents to ensure this urgent upgrade at the Langford Drive intersection is complete.”

Media release, Feb 25, 2016 Tim Sowden, offi ce of Lucy Wicks