Cessnock Looks To Road Upgrades To Support Growing Population

 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. 

Cessnock encouraged to nominate locals for Hall of Fame

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The City of Cessnock has opened nominations for its Hall of Fame on Thursday.

Council's calling on residents to nominate and celebrate a local, who could share a spot with notable figures such as sports shooter and now-Hunter MP Dan Repacholi, and Aboriginal elder and teacher Uncle Les Elvin.

Nominations are open in six categories, including Arts, Sport, Public Service, Science, Business, and Meritorious Families. 

An induction ceremony will take place early next year.

Nominations close at 5pm on Friday 11 November at www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/HallofFame.

Hunter MP and Hall of Fame Inductee Dan Repacholi and Mayor Jay Suvaal.

Cessnock to become flood-ready with the installation of new early-warning Sirens

 BY BEN CLIFFORD

After successfully securing funding from the NSW Government's Floodplain Management Program, the Cessnock City Council has announced plans to rollout a series of flood warning systems across the  Cessnock LGA. 

The announcement comes off the back of last month's devastating flooding event which wreaked major havoc across the Hunter region. 

The flood warning systems have been designed to prevent major loss of life in the event of future flooding emergencies by sounding an alarm to residents residing in flood prone areas.

Once installed, the systems will also alert council and emergency services prior to, and during flooding events. 

In Cessnock, two alert warning systems are proposed for installation at Mount View Park and Short Street. Additional systems will also be placed at Thomas Fell Park in Weston and Elizabeth Street in Abermain. 

Flood warning infrastructure such as water level gauges to monitor storm water channels and an automated rainfall gauge have also been proposed.

Flooding at Testers Hollow again cut off the main access road from Maitland to Cessnock in July Picture: Cessnock Advocate

For residents looking to find out more, Council will be holding two community information sessions. The first will be held on Monday the 5th of September at Cessnock Civic Indoor Sports Centre from 4-7pm and the second on Tuesday the 6th of September at Weston Civic Centre from 4-7pm.

Works Starts On Safety Upgrade At Busy Loxford Intersection

 BY IAN CROUCH

 A busy black spot near Cessnock is about to get a much-needed upgrade.

Work starts today on a new roundabout where Gingers Lane intersects with Hart, Government and Sawyers Gully Roads at Loxford.

The state government is providing $1.8 million dollars to Cessnock Council to complete the project.

The formerly quiet Gingers Lane became a shortcut for motorists when the Hunter Expressway opened in 2014.

Also today, the long-awaited upgrade of Cessnock Road at Testers Hollow gets under way, with survey work and safety barriers being installed. 

The popular thoroughfare has been cut by flooding in recent years, leaving surrounding residents stranded.

 

Morning traffic lines up on Gingers Lane Picture: Cessnock Advertiser

 

Funding Boost For Proposed Richmond Vale Rail Trail

BY IAN CROUCH

A major cycling and walking trail proposal between Kurri Kurri and Hexham has taken a significant step forward thanks to a funding boost from the state government.

The Richmond Vale Rail Trail Project was first proposed in 2012 and would use the former Richmond Vale rail line to create a 32 kilometre shared path.

Cessnock Council put $30,000 towards the first stage of development in 2015. At the time, the project was estimated to cost $14 million with a projected return on investment of $5.2 million annually from days trips and overnight stays.

However, the project has been stalled due to funding constraints and design issues.

The state government has announced $75,000 to allow Cessnock Council to hire a consultant to prepare a development application and conduct a review of environmental factors. The consultant would also review draft concept designs and prepare a new set of drawings.

As part of her 2019 election campaign, Paterson MP Meryl Swanson promised $200,000 towards the project if Labor was returned to power.

A disused tunnel along the former Richmond Vale Railway Line