Key Transport Projects

ASK:

Funding and political support for the following transformative transport projects: a. Expansion of Newcastle Light Rail to deliver a broader network connecting the Greater Newcastle region. The Newcastle Light Rail Extension Strategic Business Case identified a route to John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct via Broadmeadow/Hunter Park. The extension of the light rail should be considered in partnership with the Hunter Park Business Case. b. Newcastle interchange ferry terminal. c. The Lower Hunter Freight Corridor gazettal must include the link all the way to the Port, protecting a dedicated freight rail line between Fassifern and the Port of Newcastle. Separating rail freight from the passenger rail line will reduce network congestion on the rail network across Newcastle and improve travel times and reliability for both rail freight and passenger rail services. The Lower Hunter Freight Corridor would connect to the d. Newcastle to Sydney Fast Rail strategic business case should be prioritised and corridor planning initiated. e. Minmi Road upgrade. The widening of Minmi Road from Wallsend to Fletcher and Minmi is a crucial piece of city infrastructure aimed at alleviating heavy traffic along the main arterial road in the city’s growing Western Corridor f. Newcastle Inner City Bypass. Ensure future rapid bus transit and cycling infrastructure is embedded in the final stage of the Inner City Bypass, connecting the John Hunter Hospital to the University of Newcastle.

Hunter Valley Rail Network (servicing north-west and western regions of NSW) at Tarro, Beresfield and Hexham, thereby supporting interstate and regional freight movement to and from the proposed container terminal in Mayfield.