BY GARY-JON LYSAGHT
Cessnock Council has described themselves as “bitterly disappointed” after the state government decided not to open any additional entrances to the Cessnock gaol.
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| Inside Cessnock gaol's accommodation area [Image: Cessnock Advertiser]. |
It comes after the government announced the gaol would expand by one thousand new beds, bringing in new inmates and staff.
The government-conducted Review of Environment Factors concluded only one entrance was required.
Council has argued the increased traffic will drastically increase general wear-and-tear of local roads, while also increasing congestion.
Cessnock Mayor Bob Pynsent said ratepayers shouldn't
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| Bob Pynsent |
“It’s just not good enough, we got absolutely nothing out of the whole proposal,” he said.
“If it was a private developer they would have to make contributions to the road network.
“But because it’s the state government, they don’t put anything in at all and we as the ratepayers are covering those costs to road maintenance. It’s just unfair.”
Currently, the only entrance to the gaol is via Lindsay Street, with the government report concluding the street was capable of handling increased traffic.
However, Cr Pynsent says the one road entry will affect more than just Lindsay Street.
“This is adding to the traffic, not just in Lindsay Street, but the traffic right through central Cessnock,” he said.
“It’ll effect Mountview Road, Wollombi Road, we already have traffic congestion at school times and this increase will only add to that.
“I’m disgusted that the REF does not refer to another entry point.”
Despite the disappointment, Council is still willing to work with the government to address the concerns of residents.
“[I’m] hoping to speak to the Minister,” said Cr Pynsent.
“He gave me a commitment on Monday [October 31, 2016] that he would listen to our concerns.”
