MHV NEWS has obtained archived documents revealing the extensive history of the Wollombi Road Upgrade, a project that has been on the council’s agenda since 2009, including plans for widening the road to four lanes. The records shed light on the deliberations that have shaped the trajectory of this crucial infrastructure development. Our investigations have uncovered the councilors who supported the original developer contributions outlined by the council, we are still trying to obtain the documents for the original Devloper Application.
The documents also highlight the Developer’s challenge to the proposed contributions plans, particularly in connection with the Bellbird North development. This contentious issue will be the focus of part two of our coverage. For now, our analysis will delve into the intricacies of the councilors’ decisions and uncover those who stood in favor of and against the landmark Wollombi Road Upgrade.
Amidst a decade-long debate, the Wollombi Road upgrade project achieved a pivotal milestone in 2009, as unveiled by the council archives. The decision to adopt the Draft Section 94 Contributions Plan and the Draft Development Control Plan was supported by 11 of 13 councilors
The records from the council meeting shed light on the complex dynamics that characterized the discussions surrounding the Wollombi Road upgrade. The 2009 councilors who supported the project included Councillors Davey, Troy, Burcham, Gorman, McCudden, Olsen, Main, Hawkins, Smith, Pynsent, and Maybury. On the other side, Councillors Parker and Ryan were vocal in expressing their reservations, raising crucial concerns regarding the proposed development’s potential impacts, Parker and Ryan moved amendment which was voted down.
At the time the Wollombi Road Upgrade was widely supported by councilors, it’s unclear what the community sentiment was at the time, further investigation needs to be done to see if there was any community feedback or consultation done.
Despite the resolution in 2009 seemingly solidifying the project’s trajectory, the Developer’s subsequent legal challenge in the Land and Environment Court underscores the enduring contentiousness of the Wollombi Road upgrade. Which has lead to the project being stalled for a decade.
Part two of this series will offer a deeper exploration of the historical backdrop, providing insight into the intricacies of the project’s journey and the challenges encountered along the way.