They may have lost the battle but they’re determined to win the war… federally speaking, that is.
Members of the Save Wollombi Road group voiced their opposition to the much-anticipated $85 million project – which takes in both stages, including sewerage and mains – on Monday 24 February, despite the venture proceeding next month.
With placards in hand, declaring “listen to the people”, “democracy before bureaucracy” and “consultation is not consent”, the angry residents attempted to derail the press conference, headlined by Hunter MP Dan Repacholi and Cessnock MP Clayton Barr.
In fact, most of the ire was directed at the locally-based federal Labor politician who, to his credit, spoke to the protesters afterwards.
“We’re calling on people to vote Dan out,” spokesperson Cristeen Stephens said.
“We will actively ask residents to support any party that’s not Labor in the upcoming election.
“I believe we are a formidable group… and we have plenty of backing.
“So, our pure objective over the next three months is to make sure Labor does not have a seat for Cessnock.”
The NSW Government will invest $16.8 million towards the first phase, 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.
Stage two, to receive $22.1 million from the federal coffers via the Housing Support Program, is set to enable 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.
Cessnock City Council has also appointed construction contractor Symal to lead the opening section, which is scheduled for completion in late 2026.
“We’re extremely disappointed by what’s transpired,” Ms Stephens said.
“We lodged more than 300 written submissions to council, objecting to this project.
“As well, we door-knocked every resident on Wollombi Road and spoke to them personally.
“Unlike Cessnock City, who said they were going to do it but didn’t.
“More often, it was just a business card left in the letterbox from their end.
“That’s not good enough and it’s hardly a consultation process.
“Although we received an acknowledgement, that they got the submissions, our voices weren’t heard.
“I think it’s a bit like Illawarra, where locals submitted 3,000 against the wind farms down there, and nothing came of it.
“They were just ignored, too.”
Apart from the lack of transparency, Ms Stephens said Save Wollombi Road’s opposition to the project was simple.
“We don’t believe four lanes are necessary,” she told the Newcastle Weekly.
“We’ve got a lot of people who live on Wollombi Road who are lifelong residents.
“They will be denied easy access to their own homes; it will be awkward for them to be able to get in and out of their premises.
“Just something like backing a caravan in is going to be difficult.
“Then, some of them are located near the proposed traffic lights, which will cause further headaches.
“In the end, no-one wanted this project; certainly, nobody on Wollombi Road.
“It could have been managed better, like a few lane changes, lesser traffic lights or more right-hand turns.
“A couple of roundabouts would be so beneficial.
“Of all people, the World Health Organisation (WHO) actually published a paper saying how advantageous they were.
“In America, they’re getting rid of more than 200 sets of lights in favour of roundabouts.
“It’s been proven they facilitate the flow of traffic much better… and it’s a cheaper option.
“If you really want to take care of the environment, why install so many traffic lights?
“There could be up to nine sets between here and Allandale Road.”
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