Cessnock City Council is calling on the NSW Government to address their concerns over the condition of a number of state roads in the local government area.
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Councillors voted unanimously at Wednesday’s meeting to support Cr Darrin Gray’s motion to seek support from various NSW Government officials in a bid to work towards a solution for Cessnock’s ageing state road network.
Roads highlighted as a priority include (but are not limited to) Wine Country Drive, Nulkaba; Wollombi Road, Cessnock and Hunter Expressway feeder roads such as Hart Road, Frame Drive, Orange Street, Cessnock Road and Main Road.
Cr Gray acknowledged that council officers have been meeting regularly with RMS representatives, but said he was frustrated by the “perceived lack of progress”.
“I put forward this motion seeking ministerial intervention in an effort to get immediate solutions to the various road issues listed,” he said.
“We need a serious look – and quickly – at the inter-connectivity with the Hunter Expressway.”
Council will seek an urgent meeting with roads minister Melinda Pavey, Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald and Cessnock MP Clayton Barr.
Cessnock mayor Bob Pynsent said the united stance of councillors reflects the current frustration levels in the community.
“We have been working hard to secure safety upgrades with the Roads and Maritime Service, consistently raising our concerns, however this has resulted in little action,” he said.
“The safety of our road users is paramount, prompting the decision to pursue new avenues to gain the support of the NSW Government and secure much-needed funding to enable these vital works to take place.”
