Cessnock residents are up in arms after it was revealed that tonight’s crucial discussion on the Wollombi Road Upgrade Project will take place behind closed doors, with the public kept completely in the dark.
The council will discuss the tender for the construction stage of the road upgrade (Report WI26/2024 – Tender EOI T2024-21) in a secret, closed-door session. This means no one will be allowed to hear what the council members think or how decisions are being made about this major infrastructure project.
Angry locals are now rallying against the lack of transparency, calling out the council for keeping them out of the loop on a project that directly impacts their lives. One resident said, “We have every right to know how our money is being spent, especially on a major project like this. Why should we be left in the dark?”
In response, the Save Wollombi Road campaign is stepping up its fight for transparency. The group is organizing a major push to ensure the community’s voice is heard. They’re calling on everyone to get involved:
- Display campaign signs
- Spread the word
- Donate if possible
- Help distribute signs
The group is also urging residents to contact their local council reps and demand they put the community’s needs first.
For more info, residents can reach out to Naomi Smith:
Phone: 0422 570 775
Email: savewollombiroad@gmail.com
Facebook: Save Wollombi Road
While closed sessions are meant to protect the integrity of the tendering process, critics argue that such secrecy only fuels suspicion. The $100 million project to upgrade Wollombi Road is a huge investment, and residents want full transparency on how their money is being spent.
One local summed it up: “This road affects all of us. We deserve to know what’s going on, not have everything hidden behind closed doors.”
As the council meeting draws near, all eyes are on how this secretive tender discussion will unfold. Will the council finally give the public the answers they deserve, or will they continue to operate behind closed doors? Stay tuned.
