BY IAN CROUCH
Cessnock Council is looking for state and federal government support for road improvements as the city faces a population explosion.
Population forecasts from 2018 have been revised, with Cessnock seeing an annual growth rate of 3.8%, to be one of the fasted growing areas in the state alongside Maitland.
Mayor Jay Suvaal says remote working flexibility, lifestyle and cheaper real estate are proving to be big drawcards for new residents.
By 2041, Cessnock's population is tipped to reach more than 112,000 residents, an increase of 67 per cent.
Council's placed it's 2023 Traffic and Transport Strategy out for public comment.
It includes upgrades to Wollombi and Maitland Roads, the addition pf northern and southern link roads into the CBD, duplication of the existing Main Road corridor to Maitland and investigations into the best use of the Cessnock Branch Railway corridor.
