The debate surrounding state government funding for road upgrades in Cessnock has taken a lively turn, with One Nation’s Tanyia Mihailuk and Cessnock Mayor Jay Suvaal voicing contrasting viewpoints. Amidst this discourse,  insights from Cessnock Council’s 2018 Transport Strategy reveal critical challenges on Wollombi Road.

According to the 2018 Transport Strategy, specific sections of Wollombi Road, particularly those west of Allandale Road and west of West Avenue, have received the second-worst rating on the Austroads Level of Service chart. These segments currently experience more than 900 vehicles per hour during peak times, reflecting the road’s congestion and safety issues.

However, the situation is set to become even more challenging. With significant developments on the horizon, it is predicted that traffic on these sections of the road could surge to over 1600 vehicles per hour during peak times by the year 2041.

Mihailuk, in her recent speech, voiced concerns about the government’s approach to road funding in the Hunter region. She particularly questioned the government’s proposed upgrade of Wollombi Road, suggesting it may not align with community needs.

Mayor Suvaal responded to Mihailuk’s critique, accusing One Nation of hypocrisy and political motives. He pointedly highlighted the irony in One Nation’s criticism of lack of government investments while opposing a nearly $17 million infrastructure investment aimed at improving Wollombi Road.

Mayor Suvaal implied that One Nation’s actions might be driven more by populism than a genuine commitment to the community’s welfare. He reiterated his dedication to securing additional funding for the community, which would encompass measures to alleviate traffic congestion on Wollombi Road and advance the ring road planning.

Clayton Barr, the State Member for Cessnock, offered context for the funding situation. Barr clarified that the state funding allocated for the Wollombi Road upgrade aims to stimulate housing supply in the region.

The Bellbird North Developer, whose approval was previously contested in the Land and Environment Court and won, has a contractual provision that triggers the requirement for Wollombi Road to be upgraded once they reach 450 homes. This upgrade is essential to unlock an additional 3,000 homes urgently needed to address the local housing crisis.

Residents and businesses along Wollombi Road have expressed their concerns, which encompass issues such as parking and potential business disruption during the construction phase, the placement of footpaths and power lines, as well as noise concerns as the road approaches residential areas which are all valid concerns.

Quintin King, the One Nation candidate, has been leading the opposition alongside local business owner Naomi Smith and Indepenant councilors. The community is holding a Town Hall meeting on Sunday the 24th of September, 1pm, at East Cessnock Bowling Club

Please be aware that all plans are contingent on the completion of the PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING report for the Wollombi Road Upgrade, which is expected to conclude by the end of the year. Further consultations with the community will follow once this report is finalized