As the Cessnock Council elections draw near, a close examination of Labor’s infrastructure policies reveals both commendable achievements and future promises. Over the past term, Labor has focused on road improvements, park upgrades, and sporting facility enhancements. But with Cessnock continuing to grow rapidly, it’s essential to evaluate whether these policies are enough to meet the increasing demands of the region.
Achievements Over the Last Term
Cessnock Labor’s tenure has seen significant advancements in local infrastructure. Key accomplishments include:
New Facilities Delivered:
- Millfield Skate Park
- Carmichael Park Multipurpose Court & BMX Facility
- Cessnock Hockey Field – New Surface
- Cessnock Regional Skate Park – Works Underway
- Macquarie Ave Playground Upgrade
- Bridges Hill Skate Park Upgrade
- Shared Pathways to Nulkaba and West Cessnock
- Kearsley Tennis and Multipurpose Court Upgrade
- Miller Park Branxton Sporting Facilities Upgrades
- Harle St Park Abermain Playground Upgrade
- Centenary Park Abermain Multipurpose Court
- Greta Central Oval Tennis Courts and Dog Park
- Branxton to Greta Memorial Cycleway Finalisation
- Averys Village Heddon Greta Playground Upgrade
- Cliftleigh Park Toilet Facilities
- Col Brown Rotary Park Upgrades
- Booth Park Kurri Kurri Amenities Upgrade
- Margaret Johns Park & Kurri Sportsground Masterplans
Roads Upgraded:
- Kurri Kurri Town Centre
- Mitchell Avenue Kurri Kurri
- Heddon Street Heddon Greta
- Kurri High, Holy Spirit Primary & Stanford
- Merthyr Infants, School Crossings
- Orange Street Abermain
- Camp Road Greta
- Kline Street Bridge Weston
- Cessnock & Government Rds Weston
- Branxton Town Centre
- Mt View Road Cessnock
- Wescott Street Bridge Cessnock
- Wollombi Road Heavy Patching
- West Avenue and Alfred Street Intersection West Cessnock
- Sandy Creek Road Quorrobolong
- Wollombi Road Millfield
- Quorrobolong Road Kitchener
- Oakey Creek Road Pokolbin
These projects underscore Labor’s dedication to enhancing recreational spaces, improving road safety, and supporting community activities.
Progress on the Cessnock Ring Road
Among the significant infrastructure initiatives is the Cessnock Ring Road proposal. Approved as part of the traffic and transport strategy, the project is currently in the funding phase with contributions from developers for the northern bypass. However, construction has not yet begun, and the project remains several years away from becoming a reality. Despite this, the council has secured funding for significant works on Wollombi Road, which align with their broader goal of addressing traffic congestion in the region. These investments demonstrate a clear strategy toward long-term solutions for Cessnock’s growing traffic challenges.
Community Engagement and the Wollombi Road Project
The Wollombi Road Project initially faced strong community opposition, as the council struggled to effectively combat misinformation and provide accurate details early on. However, once the council released detailed plans prioritizing parking and ensuring safer ways to access and cross Wollombi Road, community sentiment began to shift. Many concerns have been addressed, and feedback from the community has grown more positive. Today, the once-active opposition on social media has quieted down, with only a small group of detractors continuing to voice concerns. The council acknowledges that the process of getting information out took longer than it should have, but they feel the final plans have largely alleviated community worries.
No Plans for Bulk Kerbside Pickup
Labor has confirmed that they have no plans to introduce bulk kerbside pickup, citing cost and safety concerns for workers. However, they are open to considering an on-demand pickup service as part of the Waste Strategy review, which is set to take place next year. This could provide a more tailored and cost-effective solution to waste management, while ensuring worker safety remains a top priority.
Future Plans If Re-elected
Looking forward, Labor has outlined several key infrastructure projects and initiatives that they plan to implement if re-elected. Some of their future priorities include:
- Road Investments: Continued focus on upgrading key roads across the region, including Middle Road Paxton, Richmond Vale Road Mulbring, and addressing landslips in the Wollombi Valley.
- Traffic Safety and Congestion: Aiming to improve safety and ease traffic congestion on Wollombi Road, one of the region’s most significant traffic corridors.
- Park Improvements and Pathways: Further enhancement of local parks and construction of new shared pathways to better connect communities.
- Sporting Facilities: Continued upgrades to sporting venues, such as the Cessnock Netball Courts, Baddeley Park cricket training facilities, Weston Bears Park, and Greta Central Oval, among others.
- Infrastructure Funding: With multiple new housing developments planned, Labor recognizes the urgent need to accelerate key infrastructure projects. Securing additional funding and expediting these developments will be critical to ensuring that roads, public amenities, and other essential services can meet the demands of the growing population.
- Community Engagement: Learning from previous experiences, Labor promises to improve community engagement on future projects, ensuring that accurate information is disseminated effectively from the outset.
Conclusion
Cessnock Labor’s infrastructure achievements over the past term reflect a strong commitment to enhancing local roads, parks, and facilities. Their plans for future road improvements, park upgrades, and sporting facility investments are geared toward addressing the ongoing needs of a growing region. Progress on the Cessnock Ring Road and Wollombi Road projects are steps toward addressing the area’s traffic congestion, though some benefits may not be realized immediately.
As Cessnock continues to grow, effective community engagement and timely communication will be crucial in ensuring that future projects meet the evolving needs of the region. Voters should weigh these considerations carefully as they head to the polls to shape the future of Cessnock.
