Federal Infrastructure Pipeline Review Yields Mixed Results For The Hunter

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The release of the federal government's report on it's infrastructure pipeline review has yielded mixed outcomes for projects in the Hunter. 

In good news for commuters, the M1 Pacific Motorway Extension to Raymond Terrace, The Newcastle Inner City Bypass, and upgrades to Mandalong Road will all go ahead as planned. 

Funding has been reserved for the planning of the Muswellbrook Bypass, however no additional commitment has been made for the construction phase of the project. 

Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell, says he believes the government is delaying the project, and it won't be delivered until after the Singleton Bypass is completed. 

"As we found out in budget estimates just a few weeks ago, NSW Transport will not proceed with the project until they receive a deed from the Federal Government with the construction money," he said. 

Meanwhile, work on the first phase of the government's proposed high speed rail network is set to grind to a halt, after today's report revealed it will no longer be funding upgrades to tracks and platforms at Tuggerah and Wyong. 

The federal and state governments committed a combined $1.5 billion last year to the improvements, as part of plans to cut 35 minutes off the journey from Newcastle to Sydney.

Although the report indicates $500 million has been allocated to "High Speed Rail Priorities", it also reveals the Central Coast upgrade works will no longer be funded by the Commonwealth. 

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon says the city will still have "a very lead role in the development of this exciting new chapter in Australian rail history." 

"We will be shaping what high speed rail looks like in Australia with the priority that's been given for the Newcastle to Sydney leg," she said. 

In addition, Dave Layzell says while he's pleased the government has allocated more funding for the replacement of the Brig O'Johnston Bridge at Clarence Town, it's not enough to fully fund the project. 

$781,000 in additional funding has been handed down by the Commonwealth for the replacement works. 

However, Dave Layzell, says it's only 20% of what's needed to get the job done. 

The release of today's report comes after Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King earlier this week announced changes to the way the government would fund projects, returning to a preference of 50:50 funding with the states and territories for future investments. 

Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes, says the government should be able to provide more clarity about the projects it is funding, now it's scope has been reduced. 

"A significant reduction in the scope of projects should hopefully see those on the list move through without delay. Ideally, we’ll also receive some clarity from the state government to confirm all these projects are in frame, given this clarity at a federal level," said Mr Hawes.

$150,000 Park Opens in Birmingham Gardens

BY SHY-ANN ARKINSTALL

Newcastle Lord Mayor, Nuatali Nelmes attended the opening of a new playground at Harold Myers Park in Birmingham Gardens today.

The new park cost $150,000 and features new walking paths and all new playground equipment, with more seating and shade set to be added in the future.

The playground is part of City of Newcastle's $750,000 investment into five new parks being opened this year across the city.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes says the opening events for new parks are important celebrations to bring the community together, particularly during school holidays.

Nelmes says its important for the council to "invest in quality facilities in our western suburbs" and create spaces for local families.

The council has invested $9.5 million in playgrounds over the past five years, with Newcastle now boasting 134 local playgrounds.

In addition to the investment in playgrounds currently being built, a $10 million, fully accessible playground is now in the planning stage and is set to be built at Foreshore Park.

"I'm really proud to be a part of a council that unanimously supports the investment into our city and suburbs," Nelmes said.

Hunter Receives Almost $9 Million in Federal Government Road Infrastructure Funding

 BY ISABEL EVERETT

The Hunter region will share in close to $9 million dollars in Federal Government funding as part of the Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCI Program). 

On Friday 22nd May, the Australian Government committed $500 million to the program, the Hunter region receiving $8,816,782 in funds, aiming to support jobs, businesses and the resilience of local economies.

Each Hunter LGA Council received: 

• Cessnock $1,065,399 
• Lake Macquarie Council $1,752,388
• Maitland $872,757
• Musswellbrook, $577,898
• Newcastle $1,146,471
• Port Stephens $780,527
• Singleton $816,085
• Upper Hunter $1,230,434
• Dungog $574, 823

Councils will be able to access the funding from July 1st, to support priority local road and community infrastructure projects. 

They will need to complete all project works by June 30th 2021 to receive their full share of the funding, and demonstrate that projects are additional to their pre-COVID-19 work program for 2020-21. 

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications will be consulting with local government organisations to finalise arrangements, before Councils will identify local projects in their area.

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon has welcomed the $1.14 million for road projects in Newcastle.  

“The funding will support priority projects from a list submitted to the Government in March,” Ms Claydon said.

  

“I was very concerned that this could turn into another sports rorts disaster so I wrote to the Deputy Prime Minister to back the bid and call for a fair distribution of these public funds.”

 

Ms Claydon said that while the modest roads infrastructure funding was welcome, it was still disappointing the Morrison Government excluded council workers from the JobKeeper program, forcing the State Government to fill the breach.

“I absolutely welcome this funding which will help stimulate local economic activity,” Ms Claydon said. 

“It’s still unfortunate that the Government didn’t recognise the important of local economies and local jobs when it excluded council workers from the JobKeeper program.”

Image Credit: NSW Government

Northern NSW Football Welcomes Infrastructure Funding

BY IAN CROUCH

Grassroots football clubs across the Hunter will continue to grow and prosper after a $1.9 million dollar boost from grants and government funding.

Among the 19 facilities to receive funding are a new multi-purpose building at Tomaree Sports Complex which has received $300,000, and the construction of two grandstands at the Westlakes Wildcats Football Club to accommodate around 520 spectators, visitors, officials and volunteers.

Smaller grants have been made from the Community Building Partnerships Fund including:

$20,000 to the Mayfield United JSFC to update changerooms to become female friendly.
$16,000 to the Gresford Vacy Football Club to replace a mower.
$8,482 to the West Wallsend Amateur Soccer Club for a high boundary fence to prevent balls leaving fields.
$3,410 to the Cessnock City Hornets Football Club to expand junior football training facilities.

Despite community sports being put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, Northern NSW Football Head of Football, Peter Haynes is elated that government at all levels continue to see the importance of honouring grants and funding for public sporting fields for the long-term health and wellbeing of the community.

"It is great to see that funding hasn't halted for such important community projects, many of the projects which have received money are for shared facilities used by multiple sports and community groups. These venues will be essential for communities to become active again when public health orders are lifted as well as in the long-term," he said.

Grassroots football facilities are sharing in $1.9 million in infrastructure funding