The wait goes on No cash in State Budget for Lake Macquarie Transport Interchange • AMELIA PARROTT
W @amelia_parrott
is widely regarded as the region's top infrastructure priority but the Lake Macquarie Transport Interchange was a glaring omission in last week's State Budget. The project, which will link Glendale and Cardiff and see a new railway station built adjacent to the Stockland Centre, was left out of more than $350 million of infrastructure spending planned across the Hunter over the next four years. Labor and Independent MPs have criticised the snub, with Shadow Minister for the Hunter, Sonia Hornery warning that the project will stall without a further injection of funds from the State Government. "The Glendale Interchange had an injection of Federal funds in 2013 but the State Government has not followed through," she said. While welcoming funding for road projects at Toronto, Warners Bay and Freemans Waterhole, Independent Lake Macquarie MP, Greg Piper said the interchange should be the primary focus. "It's a building budget but the spoils should be shared across the region," he said. "With funding to complete the Newcastle Inner City Bypass now confirmed, the Transport Interchange must be the top priority for infrastructure spending in the Hunter." The project is estimated to cost $60 million. So far, nearly $37.5 million has been contributed by Local, State and Federal Government. Lake Macquarie Mayor Jodie Harrison said the project was crucial. "The Lake Macquarie
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Not going anywhere Fa'alogo pledges to stay with the Knights p.43
The much-anticipated Lake Macquarle Transport Interchange missed out on Budget funding
Transport Interchange will not only ease congestions at a crucial juncture but also improve accessibility in a key part of the Hunter, while providing economic and community benefits to the city and the Lower Hunter." She said Council staff were exploring funding opportunities with NSW Government Departments and the private sector.
Ms Hornery encouraged the board of the Hunter Infrastructure and Investment Fund (HIIF) to prioritise the project. "I hope the board members of the HIIF and the chairman, Peter Blackmore, recognise that the Glendale Interchange is a key infrastructure priority for the region and has the backing ofn Hunter mayors," she said.
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