Westcott Street Bridge opens for public use in the Cessnock LGA

BY JORDAN REGNIS

The new $2.2 million Westcott Street Bridge has now opened in the Cessnock LGA.

The new dual lane concrete bridge includes an added pedestrian access footway, and an open load limit.

Cessnock Mayor Jay Suvaal says the bridge will "reduce annual maintenance costs by 80%".

The bridge serves around 84 businesses, which include those in healthcare, administrative services, transport and construction.

The open load limit means there are no longer restrictions on larger emergency vehicles.

Upgrades were funded under the Transport for NSW Fixing Country Bridges Program.

Cessnock Mayor To Call For Formal Talks About Wine Country 500

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The Mayor of Cessnock will take his bid for the city to host the Supercars in the future to tonight's council meeting. 

He's calling for council to formally start discussions with the Minister for Jobs and Tourism, Destinations NSW, and Supercars about the proposed Wine Country 500. 

Jay Suvaal says he believes people would like to see the event stay in the region, if it won't disrupt businesses or local residents. 

"We've got a huge amount of motorsport fans right across the Hunter region and up here in the Cessnock Local Government Area. We're a world-class tourism destination with plenty of accommodation, and I would love to see the event maintained in the Hunter region to support them," he said. 

"I think we we need to make sure that we learn from the experiences in Newcastle and make sure the bump-in/bump-out that does affect residents and businesses, isn't replicated in our area, and I think we can do that well here." 

City of Newcastle has voted to support the Wine Country 500, despite the fact talks about the event's future in Newcastle are reportedly still underway.

 

New Anvil Creek Bridge Opens in Greta

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Cessnock City Council have announced the official opening of the new Anvil Creek Bridge on Nelson Street in Greta. 

The project has been funded by a $690,800 contribution from the Australian Government under its Bridges Renewal Program, as well as a $1.3 million injection from Cessnock City Council. 

The old structure has now been replaced with a new, 24-metre-long, two-lane concrete bridge. 

200-metres of upgraded pavement on both sides, and a new pedestrian pathway have also been added to allow better access to the Greta Train Station at the western end of Nelson Street. 

Federal Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi, said the project reflects an exciting step forward for the regional community. 

"Nothing is more important than ensuring people get home safe and sound at the end of each road trip, whether it's just a quick run to the local shops or an interstate freight haul," he said. 

"That's why our Government is committed to building a better future for the Hunter Region and for all Australians by delivering infrastructure like this new Anvil Creek Bridge." 

The upgrade comes after safety concerns for the previous single-lane, timber bridge were raised by local residents. 

Cessnock City Council Mayor Jay Suvaal, hopes the bridge will prove to be an important asset for Greta, both in terms of transport and safety. 

"The new Anvil Creek Bridge has a life expectancy of 100 years and has removed all the safety risks that were associated with the old timber bridge, which is just fantastic," Mayor Suvaal said. 

"With an increased clearance above the Anvil Creek waterway, the new bridge will also decrease the prevalence of flooding upstream and allow a less restricted flow of water downstream." 

The new Anvil Creek Bridge in Greta is officially open. 

Councillors Respond to Local Election Delay

 BY OLIVIA DILLON 

The upcoming local government elections have been postponed for a second time, as the current COVID-19 outbreak continues to worsen throughout the state. 

On Saturday, the NSW Minister for Local Government, Shelley Hancock, confirmed the election, already a year late, has been pushed back from September 4th to December 4th for all NSW councils except the Central Coast. 

The fate of the Central Coast election is in the hands of Council administrator, Dick Persson. 

Newcastle Lord Mayor, Nuatali Nelmes, was disappointed following the announcement and questioned the need for another postponement, saying every other state could manage COVID-safe elections during the pandemic.

"Elections could have proceeded as originally planned in regional NSW and places like Newcastle with additional COVID-safe measures in place."

"Other states have held their elections during the pandemic; there was a by-election held in Brisbane yesterday." 

Cessnock Labor Councillor, Jay Suvaal, said that while he understood the health advice, he did not think it should have come to this. 

"While I support the health advice and believe people's safety must come first, I strongly believe it should not have come to this. We are now, again, seeing the results of Federal and State Liberal Governments failing to manage the pandemic response properly." 

"We are fortunate that our community of Cessnock has mostly been spared the worst of the pandemic, but the failings of the Prime Minister and Premier cannot be allowed to continue. They must take action now in the best interest of the people. The community of Cessnock deserves better. The people of NSW and Australia deserve better," he said. 

Councillor for Maitland, Phillip Penfold, was also disappointed with the news, but said that it would not effect his bid to become Mayor. 

"I'll still be contesting the mayoralty and I have team of candidates that are eager to run in each ward so we look forward to it. We were ready for the 4th of September and we will be even more ready for the 4th of December." 

Local Government Elections have been Postponed
Image: Newcastle Herald