The NSW Government has committed $188 million to the construction of the Fingal Bay Bypass.
Minister for Roads Melinda Pavey was joined by Port Stephens Liberal candidate, Jaimie Abbott and Port Stephens Duty MLC, Catherine Cusack today, where they announced the Liberal Government's pledge to build the road as a state project if they are successful in the upcoming election.
"The re-elected Berejiklian Government will build this road... if we do win, construction will start in the first term of government," said Jaimie Abbott.
"The community and Port Stephens Council want this road, I am always reminded by locals of the need for this new road connection, and today we have seen a commitment for the link road after 16 years of talking about it."
A route options report is due for release later this year which will include concept designs, traffic modeling, heritage, and environmental investigations to determine the most suitable route for construction.
"The proposed Fingal Bay Link Road will improve traffic flow, journey times and safety for motorists as well as supporting tourism in the area," Jaimie Abbott said.
Motorists can also expect to see new fauna crossings and fencing that have been proven to protect wildlife be installed along the by-pass.
However, Port Stephens MP Kate Washington says we shouldn't take the promise at face value.
"This is a government that has not delivered on its promises in Port Stephens," she said, "Its track record in Port Stephens is appalling, they could not deliver $70-million to duplicate Nelson Bay Road and here they are on the eve of the election making yet another commitment...everyone should be questioning whether or not this is just an attempt to buy votes..."
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| Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer, Liberal candidate for Port Stephens Jaimie Abbott, Port Stephens duty MLC Catherine Cusack and Roads Minister Melinda Pavey |
