The largest-ever road project in Cessnock City Council’s history is set to unlock an abundance of housing opportunities in the LGA.
And, while Hunter MP Dan Repacholi and state colleague Cessnock MP Clayton Barr are both thrilled the much-anticipated $85 million Wollombi Road upgrade will start next month, the news wasn’t warmly welcomed by everyone.
In fact, mayor Dan Watton was a noticeable “no show” on Monday 24 February, with members of Save Wollombi Road also making their thoughts known loud and clear by shouting “listen to the people” during the press conference.
“Speaking with many in our community concerning this project has only further highlighted to me the importance of consultation and engagement, as well as transparency and open communication,” he said on social media.
“This is something that many in our community feel was lacking, historically speaking.
“While we can’t change the past, we can work together to change the future.
“Since being elected as a councillor in 2021, I’ve seen some great progress in how council engages with the community.
“As mayor, I’m committed to ensuring every voice is heard… and that decisions reflect the needs and concerns of the people who call our LGA home.”
But, no matter what, it’s all systems go, with the NSW Government investing $16.8 million towards stage one, which includes a 2.9km upgrade – dual lanes in each direction – between Abbotsford Street in Bellbird and West Avenue in Cessnock, as well as a new intersection at Bellbird North.
The second phase, to receive $22.1 million from the federal coffers via the Housing Support Program, enables enhancements all the way to Allandale Road.
It’ll comprise intersection improvements at Mount View Road and fully open the Bellbird North Urban Release Area.
Council has also appointed Symal, a construction contractor with a proven track record, to lead the opening chapter, which is scheduled for completion in late 2026.
“The money’s essentially coming from the NSW Department of Planning because it’s going to allow another 3,300 homes to come online,” Mr Barr said.
“The state government recognises there is a housing crisis and one of the ways we’re going to fix that is by bringing new stock to market.
“It’s absolutely essential.
“Offering 3,300 blocks of land will house 3,300 families… that’s really exciting and important.
“I accept some people don’t like it, including the protesters here [today].
“However, we need to do something about the housing crisis and bringing in stock to market is part of that solution.
“Equally imperative are the additional pedestrian and safe road crossing facilities, that will come as a result of the lights being erected on this road.
“I receive numerous complaints from parents, families and schools about the lack of safety along Wollombi Road.
“By putting in signalised traffic lights on certain corners, depending on final design and make-up, we’ll make it safer for our students and pedestrians.
“That’s a really important outcome of this particular project that I’m very, very proud of.”
Mr Repacholi admitted he was delighted the Labor government saw fit to invest in stage two, too.
“That will allow Cessnock City to get it all done together, so there aren’t any major hold-ups along the way,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.
“One of the big concerns was amassing the funds for the second phase, so this takes care of that issue.
“It’s fantastic news for this area.
“The growth taking place in Bellbird is phenomenal.
“But, we need more housing.
“Every day, my office, Clayton’s office and I’m sure council’s office get people in there saying they can’t find a rental property or a place to buy.
“It’s just very limited here.
“We’re one of the fastest-growing LGAs in NSW… and why wouldn’t we be?
“We are home to an amazing area, with the world’s best wines right next door, it’s the gateway to paradise.
“That’s why local, state and federal governments are working together to ensure we can make this a better place.
“I know there are protesters but I can tell you there’s a lot of people who want this project to go ahead.
“They are sick of waiting in traffic for half-an-hour to get their kids to school and they’re sick of how dangerous this road is for their children to cross.
“So, this work will make a major difference to this area and unlock so much potential housing in the LGA.
“Let’s keep looking forward to the future of Cessnock and not continue to look at the past like, unfortunately, some people are.”
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