A community organisation has praised Labor’s proposal to deliver better public access to one of Wickham’s most popular recreational areas.
Newcastle state MP Tim Crakanthorp and Shadow Minister for Transport Jo Haylen informed the Great Lifestyle of Wickham (GLOW) residents’ group this week the party would install gates and a path so locals could enter Wickham Park from Holland Street… if it wins government on 25 March.
The announcement was warmly welcomed by GLOW representative Lyn Kilby.
“This is something our community has been fighting for,” she said.
“It will make a big difference to everyone who would like to use the park.
“Opening up this access will be great for our suburb and significantly improve safety for pedestrians who will not have to walk along busy roads.”
Transport for NSW owns a small piece of land between Wickham Park and the end of Holland Street that is currently blocked off by a fence, which prevents the community from entering the park.
Many residents trying to access the location, from Holland Street, must walk more than a kilometre to get to Wickham Park when a path could easily be built.
Mr Crakanthorp said the upgrade would be funded through the state’s transport budget, which is set to receive an additional $60 million.
“This park is very popular with locals, and there’s no good reason for making them walk all the way around to be able to use it,” he explained.
“Residents have told me how silly the current arrangement is… and we agree.
“Creating this access is just common sense.
“And, a Chris Minns Labor government will get it done.”
Ms Haylen admitted precious open spaces, like Wickham Park, should be easily accessible to everyone.
“It makes no sense for some residents to have to walk over a kilometre to access the park when there’s an easy way to get there,” she said.
“This shouldn’t be complicated.
“That’s why Labor, if we prevail at next month’s election, will open the gates and install a path to improve access to Wickham Park.”
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