We've been hearing about it for more than two decades, now the first stage of the Glendale Transport Interchange could become a reality if state Labor is elected on March 23.
Hunter Labor MPs gathered in Glendale this morning to make the announcement, which will see Federal and State Labor pitch in $13 million each to build the long-awaited Pennant Street Bridge.
Another $6 million would come from Lake Macquarie Council to complete the $32 million tripartite funding package.
The interchange is touted to involve the extension of Pennant Street in Cardiff over the main northern railway line, connecting it to the intersection of Glendale and Stockland Drives.
The project has been on the drawing board since former Labor Premier, Bob Carr first promised to build it back in 1998.
After previously criticising her own party for failing to move forward on the project, Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery said the milestone marks one of the happiest days she's had in office.
"For 12 years, I've been repeatedly bringing the notion of the importance of the Glendale Interchange to the NSW Parliament...it's the number one project in the Lower Hunter, without a doubt," Ms Hornery said, "so I'm kind of surprised and bemused at why the government is so negative when building the Pennant Street Bridge will see a cost-benefit ratio of $4 to $1."
She said the bridge has the capacity to unlock development in Cardiff and relieve Munibung Road congestion for bus drivers.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser agreed the bridge will lead to new opportunities for the LGA.
"We're talking about 90 hectares of land that is developable, we're talking about a shopping centre, we're talking about a sports centre here at Glendale which will have that connection to our industrial area; to our retail and to our sports centre.
"Cardiff people have been screaming for it...This will take the traffic off Lake Road and take the pressure off the Glendale roundabout.
Mayor Fraser admitted she's perplexed and disappointed the project has so far stalled, and says she'll be "knocking on doors" if Labor wins government to see the promise leads to tangible progress.
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| Mayor Kay Fraser, Kate Washington MP, Labor Candidate for Lake Macquarie Jo Smith, Jodie Harrison MP, Sonia Hornery MP. |
