Federal Labor have today announced it will invest $13 million into the Glendale Interchange.
The money will go towards building the Pennant Street Bridge which would link Glendale to Cardiff.
Lake Macquarie Council has also committed $6 million towards the project with Labor expecting the remaining $13 million needed to fund the $32 million project to be funded by the NSW Government.
The interchange is arguably the regions most strategically important infrastructure projects and has been a point of contention in politics since the idea was proposed by former Premier Bob Carr, 21 years ago.
In last years budget, the NSW Government said it was not going to fund the bridge over the rail lines between Cardiff and Glendale instead providing $360,000 in planning funds.
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development Anthony Albanese was in the Hunter today to announce the funding commitment where he called on the NSW Government to provide the left over funds.
“Labor has consistently backed the Glendale Interchange because we see the value it will bring to this region.
“When I was the Infrastructure Minister, I ensured that there was $13 million in the Federal Budget for this project. However, immediately upon their election the current Liberal-National Government in Canberra scrapped the fund and in the process cut over a million dollars from the Glendale Interchange.
“This project has the backing of Federal Labor and Lake Macquarie City Council, which will contribute $6 million to the $32 million project. The interchange needs the backing of all levels of government and the Berejiklian Government should match Federal Labor’s commitment," Mr Albanese said.
The funding would help complete the first stage of the interchange, including the Pennant Street Bridge.
While work has been completed on the first section of roadworks, including the extension of Stockland Drive and Glendale Drive, there is no funding currently available to continue to the critical second section, the Pennant Street Bridge over the rail line in Cardiff.
Shortland MP Pat Conroy said it was important to keep momentum going on the project.
“Independent analysis has shown that for every dollar invested in this project by governments another $94 of private investment will be unlocked, creating up to 10,000 jobs for our region.
“I am pleased stage one has begun, but the real benefits lie in linking Cardiff and Glendale with the bridge over the rail line at Pennant Street," Mr Conroy said
Hunter MP Joel Fitzgibbon said all Hunter councils had identified the project as a priority.
“As well as the obvious benefits for Lake Macquarie, this project provides crucial connectivity for mining and energy businesses from right throughout the region to gain access to the Port of Newcastle.
“There is enormous potential for retail and commercial business as well, and this area is earmarked for significant housing growth," Mr Fitzgibbon said.
Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon said the project will deliver much needed jobs for our region.
“Major infrastructure projects are important enablers of regional economies over time but they also deliver a lot of jobs during the construction phase.
“Our region benefited from a number of major projects funded by the former Labor Government. These included the duplication of the Tourle Street Bridge and the new University of Newcastle city campus. The Glendale Interchange project would build on Federal Labor's strong record of delivering for our region," Ms Claydon said.
The announcement is the second major roads commitment from Labor for the Hunter, following Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson announcing yesterday to match the Liberals $1.6 billion commitment to extend the Pacific Highway from Black Hill to Raymond Terrace.
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| L-R: Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser, Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese, Shortland MP Pat Conroy & Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon. |
