Mayoral Column - 17 May 2023
Published on 17 May 2023
It is pleasing to see that traffic flow and journey times in Cessnock are set to improve as Cessnock City Council commences planning on the much-needed Wollombi Road Upgrade.
The upgrade will provide two travel lanes each way between Abbotsford Street, Bellbird and West Avenue, Cessnock, plus associated intersection improvements. It will also deliver new and upgraded cycleways, footpaths, kerbs, bus stops and improvements to current parking arrangements.
As someone who commutes along Wollombi Road each day, I recognise this upgrade is a transport priority for local residents. Indeed, Council identified the need to upgrade this key stretch of road as far back as 2009 in the Bellbird North Section 94 Contributions Plan, and reinforced in subsequent studies and strategies including the Cessnock LGA Traffic and Transport strategy in 2015.
The upgrade of Wollombi Road is essential to accommodate current and forecasted traffic growth and to alleviate congestion on our roads.
Benefits of the upgrade to Wollombi Road include:
- Reduced congestion and improved traffic flow
- Improved road safety, efficiency, and travel times
- Improved active transport linkages for cyclists and pedestrians
- Fit for purpose infrastructure for the growing LGA, benefiting local businesses and tourism
Council is in the early stages of planning, and will be working with residents and businesses along Wollombi Road and gathering other community feedback to inform the design as this important project progresses. To find out more visit www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/WollombiRoadUpgrade
Our region is a special place, blessed with a rich and storied history, natural wonders, and with amazing sites and experiences to share with your family. That’s why, for the month of May, Council is encouraging local residents to share their favourite tourism experiences in the Cessnock Local Government Area on their social media channels, whether it’s visiting an amazing attraction, tourism business, gallery, vineyard or anything else.
By doing so, you will be in the running for one of 17 double passes to the inaugural Hunter Valley Wildlife Park Community Day on Sunday 18 June. Just post your entry to Facebook and Instagram, set it to public, and use the hashtag #supportlocalcessnock. Entries are open from May 1 until May 31, 2023 and winners will be selected at random.
Recently, I was privileged to attend a significant event for Laguna Public School to celebrate their 150-year anniversary. Local residents came together to celebrate this notable milestone. It was clear that Laguna Public School plays such an important role in the local community.
I was pleased to join with students, parents and teachers to put together a time capsule to be sealed and opened, perhaps in another 150 years. I’d particularly like to thank Principal Craig Howe for inviting me to attend this special event.