E E FR November 7, 2011
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Issue 020
New field response unit for F3
Reserve upgrades officially opened
new field response unit for critical incidents on the F3 Freeway will be established to help improve incident management and service delivery for motorists.
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The opening of the five projects funded in Round 3 by the Federal Government’s Regional and Local Communtiy Infrastructure Program
ive projects funded by the Federal Government’s Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program (RLCIP) round three were officially opened at Caroline Cox Reserve, Niagara Park, on Friday, October 28, by member for Dobell Mr Craig Thomson and Gosford mayor Cr Laurie Maher.
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Under the Program, $115,000 of Federal funding was spent on the reserve upgrade which included Caroline Cox Reserve Playground, Mooney Mooney Playground, Frost Reserve Floodlighting, Woy Woy Tennis Floodlighting and Yarunga Viewing Platform and Picnic Area. “This is a welcome
upgrade that will give the children in the local area playing pleasure for years to come and give their families the security of knowing they are in a safe and stimulating environment,” Mr Thomson said. “We can be assured of that, thanks to the children themselves having a say in the design of
The new floodlights installed at Frost Reserve, Kincumber Photo: Naomi Bridges
their playground and the selection of the equipment. “I congratulate Gosford City Council for organising a public consultation meeting, and travelling to Narara Public School to talk with the children and invite them to draw the facilities they would like,” said Mr Thomson. Cr Maher said Council was offered $577,000 as part of the round three funding for projects within the area. “We have received this funding for five projects within the Gosford Local Government Area from an initiative which has helped local communities respond to the global financial crisis and supported jobs for local tradespeople, contractors and small businesses. Cr Maher said the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program projects were a good example of different levels of government
working together to provide improved facilities for local communities. “Gosford City Council would like to thank the Federal Government for its investment under the RLCIP and we look forward to continuing to work together for the benefit of our residents. “I would like to congratulate the Woy Woy Tennis Club, who, through fundraising, were able to contribute $10,000 to their floodlighting installation – a fantastic effort by all involved,” said Cr Maher. The upgrade of Caroline Cox Reserve Playground also received $45,000 under the NSW Communities – Community Building Partnerships. Mr Thomson said: “At the core of this program is a whole-of-government approach to regional development.” “It’s about working with local governments to find local solutions to local challenges.” Media release, 28 Oct 2011 Gosford Council Media
NSW Minister for Roads Duncan Gay said: “The new field response unit will have two full-time traffic commanders, new light and heavy vehicle tow trucks and other essential traffic management equipment housed at a depot just north of the Hawkesbury River.” “The depot has direct access to both the north and southbound carriageways on the F3 and the Old Pacific Highway and is also close to a major diversion point for detours. “The location of the depot is particularly helpful, as it will cover the critical stretch of road between Berowra and Mount White. “It’s also less than 4km from the emergency helipad at South Brooklyn which can be used by NSW Police Crash Investigation Unit during critical incidents, and is next door to an ambulance station which will provide the opportunity for emergency services to work more closely together when incidents occur,” said minister Gay. The F3 freeway is a vital link on the state and national road network and a key freight corridor which carries more than 75,000 vehicles each day. The F3 is unique to other freeways as there are often large distances between exits which can make it difficult for motorists to exit the freeway when an
incident occurs and the road is closed. Mr Gay said that to manage the traffic needs of the freeway significant resources were required. “The addition of this new depot will assist with managing major incidents and help motorists get to their destination as quickly as possible,” said Mr Gay. “Heavy tow truck and traffic commanders have already started work with positive results. “Since starting work, staff have assisted in numerous incidents, including six in their first two days of operation. “The light tow truck will start work within the next few weeks. “This combined with the staff and heavy vehicle tow will provide an even faster, more efficient service to motorists using the F3.” Minister for the Central Coast Mr Chris Hartcher as well as local members Mr Chris Spence, Mr Chris Holstein, Mr Darren Webber and Mr Garry Edwards welcomed the new unit. “This is an excellent additional resource for road users,” said Mr Hartcher. “Motorists who regularly use the F3 will benefit by this new unit,” he said. Media Release, 25 Oct 2011 Lance Northey, office of minster Duncan Gay
Member for Gosford Mr Chris Holstein with minister for roads Mr Duncan Gay