Transportation Revolutionised with Opening of Long-Awaited M1 Extension

 BY MAXWELL HARVEY

The M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace will open on Friday 10 September, marking the completion of Hunter's largest road infrastructure project.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Wednesday, attended by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

He said the project will revolutionise travel across the East Coast.

"When this road opens in less than 48 hours, we will have no traffic lights all the way from Melbourne right up to Coffs Harbour and later this year you'll be able to go to the Queensland border," he said.

Planning for the $2.24 billion dollar project began in 2004, with major construction finally beginning in 2023.

The project provided employment to over 2700 workers, over 70 per cent of whom hailed from the Hunter.

Works wrapped up recently, over a year ahead of the original schedule.

The 15 kilometre corridor will bypass existing local roads, removing around 25,000 vehicles from notoriously congested chokepoints around Hexham and saving nine minutes during peak traffic.

Infrastructure Minister Catharine King said the project will provide much-need relief for local motorists.

"This takes out five sets of traffic lights, and of course removes a really significant pinch point that has been the bane of the local community for some time," Minister King said.

Included are additional interchanges at Black Hill, Tarro, Tomago and Raymond Terrace, alongside a 2.6 kilometre viaduct over the Hunter River and surrounding floodplains.

Prime Minister Albanese said the project means a lot to him personally. 

"I'm named after my cousin who was four years old who died on the Pacific Highway just before I was born back in 1963," Mr Albanese said.

"The tragedies that have occurred on the Pacific Highway up and down is something that drove me to be very passionate about fixing the Highway."

Tim Crakanthorp, Catharine King, Kate Washington, Jenny Aitchison, Anthony Albanese, Meryl Swanson, and Sharon Claydon. Picture: Ian Crouch

Cessnock Bypass Announced, Muswellbrook Bypass Construction Brought Forward

 BY JACK SEYMOUR

Federal Transport Minister Catherine King has visited the Hunter today (18 March) announcing planning of a new Cessnock Bypass and bringing construction on the Muswellbrook Bypass forward by 12 months.

Preparation works on the $304 million Muswellbrook road will begin later this year with major construction slated to begin next year.

Catherine King says the project will have long term benefits.

"It'll see continued work in the region, but also really give people back their main street." she said.

"It'll have that ability to get over 13 thousand to 20 thousand cars every single day out of the main streets of Muswellbrook," she said.

The Federal Government's also committing $5 million to planning of the Cessnock Bypass with a route to stretch from Bellbird, behind the Cessnock Aerodrome and joining up with Wine Country Drive.

Hunter MP Dan Repacholi with Federal Transport Minister Catherine King

Taskforce set to investigate the safety of buses

BY EMILY WILLIAMS

The State Government has instructed the Bus Industry Taskforce to urgently examine the effectiveness of safety regulations on buses and coaches.

This coming two weeks after a horrific bus crash in the Hunter Valley which killed 10 passengers and saw a further 25 admitted to hospital.

The accident was the worst road accident in three decades.

The taskforce will specifically examine the following:

• The adequacy of retrofitting seat belts on school buses in regional NSW over the past 10 years.
• Consideration of expanding seat belts on buses to other areas of the State, and enforcement of seatbelt laws.
• Whether any changes should be recommended to the Australian Design Rules for buses and coaches.
• Bus and coach operator safety management systems, including driver training and fatigue management.

NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen says the bus crash was a tragic event.

"We know seat belts save lives but if there needs to be more enforcement around this issue put in place so something like this doesn't happen again, we will do it," she said.

The Taskforce will present their early findings by 31 July 2023.

Image: Busways

Bus Industry Taskforce to Investigate Hunter Services

BY EMILY BILTRIS

As of today, the Minns Labor Government has established the Bus Industry Taskforce, after years of complaints by commuters across the Hunter and the state. 

The taskforce is set to deliver on key election commitments made to the people of NSW, playing a crucial role in dealing with the consequences of bus privatisation and urging improvement to services.

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery has been a long-time advocate for the abolishment or privatisation, and says residents in her electorate are fed-up with the current state of the network, where services are regularly late or cancelled. 

Privatisation needs to be investigated. It doesn't work whether it's state, local or federal; it has never been a success story," she said. 

The Taskforce plans to play the center role in providing improvements to bus services across the Hunter region and the state.

John Lee, former CEO of the State Transit Authority and multiple private bus companies, has been appointed to chair the Taskforce due to his expertise and extensive industry knowledge. 

It's hoped he will provide the skills needed to create a long-term, sustainable industry and reliable services for passengers. 

"Our bus network is wide ranging, complicated and is relied upon by some of the most vulnerable people in our society. Our work to make bus services better will make a real difference to people's lives," Mr Lee said. 

The group's focus areas range from service delivery and planning, to infrastructure and technology. 

Due to the extensive issues facing the bus industry, the Taskforce has been provided with a 12-month  period to undertake its investigation. 

It will present its initial findings later this year on July 10th, an updated report on the 10th of October, and a final report including recommendations by 1st of May 2024.

Wallsend MP Calls for Review into Keolis Downer's Contract

BY OLIVIA DILLON

It's hoped a review into the state's bus services will improve the public transport situation in the Hunter. 

Transport Minister Jo Haylen says the contracts between the former Liberal government and private bus operators have revealed companies were offered financial incentives to cancel bus services across the state.

The contracts for Sydney buses reportedly imposed financial penalties on companies for failing to meet "on time running" targets, however services which were cancelled did not count as late.

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery, says she plans to invite the Minster to the region, in order to review the contracts of local operator Keolis Downer. 

The company last month confirmed it had been cancelling more than 100 buses per day across Newcastle, blaming recruitment issues and driver shortages for the changes. 

Minister Haylen has reportedly sought urgent advice about what can legally be done to improve services across the state.

Image: Downer Group

First Sod Turned on Muswellbrook Bypass

BY OLIVIA DILLON 

Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell has announced today, works on the Muswellbrook Bypass have commenced. 

He was joined by Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway for the announcement this morning.  

The contract for the project's early works has been granted to local Aboriginal-run business Fenech Demolition, which Mr Layzell said is an exciting step forward for the community. 

"The best way to close the gap is to empower Aboriginal businesses to get work, and make sure that they can employ other Indigenous workers," Mr Layzell said. 

Early works for the project will include demolishing houses along the route, and moving utilities around to make way for the bypass. 

It's expected Transport of NSW will develop a shortlist of tenders for the next phase of the project by the middle of the year. 

Image: Transport for NSW

Lake Macquarie to pioneer e-scooter trial

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Lake Macquarie Council will be the first council in New South Wales to take part in a 12-month e-scooter trial from December 5.

Transport company Beam, which also runs the city's shared e-bike program, will provide the e-scooters.

Riders will be limited to certain shared paths at a 10km/h speed limit, and only e-scooters provided through the scheme can be used.

The four routes includes the Fernleigh Track, the Croudace Bay foreshore, the Warners Bay foreshore to Glendale, and the Toronto foreshore to Fassifern train station.

They'll be available to people aged 16 and older.

Labor MPs keen to build new trains in the Hunter

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Labor MPs are promising big things for the Hunter, with a swathe of policy announcements at the party's state conference over the weekend.

The Prime Minister has locked in a $500 million commitment to get started on a high-speed rail link from Sydney to Newcastle, including securing the corridor between the cities and across the Central Coast.

State Labor Leader Chris Minns also unveiled new plans to deliver a new fleet of trains, manufactured in New South Wales, if the party wins government next March. 

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp says he's optimistic the Hunter will have a role to play.

"Newcastle's got a proven track record," he said. "We're very well-positioned to manufacture these fleets, so I'd love to see some local companies in the mix when tenders open."

"Labor's committed to local goods, local jobs, reviving local manufacturing, and this will be the signature piece running up to the election."

"Build the Tangaras here in New South Wales."

Mr Minns told the conference he was again further privatisation, and criticised the controversial commitment deeds restricting the Port of Newcastle from container traffic. 

There's hope, a commitment to recruit 1,200 new nurses and 500 new paramedics will help alleviate staff shortages in the healthcare sector, while a plan to convert 10,000 temporary teachers to full-time is hoped to do the same for Hunter schools struggling to find hands. 

"Insecure work makes it harder to get a mortgage or a car loan," Mr Crakanthorp said. "Hard to lay down roots in a community."

"Job security goes a really long way, and I know that 10,000 casuals and part-timers coming onto permanency will be a great incentive for those people to stay teaching and not look for other jobs."

Hunter commuters invited to have their say on 20-year transport plan

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Public submissions have opened today on the new draft Hunter Regional Transport Plan.

The State Government's hoping to get the transport network up to scratch, with the region expected to grow by 100,000 people by 2041.

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp says there are big ideas and hot-ticket items on the agenda. 

"We've got the new ferry wharf at Wickham, which is finally getting a little bit of airplay here," he said. "I've been championing that for many, many years, so that would be a great boon, given the increasing population at Stockton and Fern Bay in particular."

"Secondly, the tram line corridor protections west to Broadmeadow and beyond are something I've also been calling on for many years. If we don't preserve that corridor for the light rail, there won't be a light rail heading west."

Across the broader Hunter, the plan also recommends looking into restoring train services to Cessnock and Kurri Kurri, as well as electrifying the line to Maitland.

Proposals such as high-speed rail, cycling initiatives, road and traffic improvements, and the currently-shelved Intercity fleet are all still on the table. 

Mr Crakanthorp says he would like to see the ideas come to fruition. 

"It's the timeframes that really concern me," he said. "Last time we had a report indicating there might be a ferry wharf at Wickham, they were talking about investigation over the next 15 years."

"It's only a couple of years later, and they're looking at the next ten years, so I'd like to see something happen a little bit quicker than that."

"With the corridor protection for light rail, that should have happened a long time ago. They're still just talking about it now and putting it into a draft plan. It should be happening now as we speak."

You can have your say on the plan here.

Lake Macquarie ferry adds Valentine stop

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Lake Macquarie ferry has added Valentine to its stops from this weekend.

The service already visits, from north to south, Speers Point, Booragul, Toronto, Belmont, and Wangi Wangi.

The ferry will add the stop at Valentine Public Wharf between Booragul and Toronto, zig-zagging across the lake.

The service runs Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

State inquiry recommends Newcastle buses put back in public hands

BY DAKOTA TAIT

An Upper House inquiry into the privatisation of Newcastle's bus services has recommended the move be reversed, over concern the quality of services has declined, passengers now pay more, and drivers face worse pay and conditions.

Keolis Downer originally took over the city's buses and ferries in 2017 for a ten-year contract, but the company's changes have earned backlash from customers and local MPs in the years since. 

The inquiry's found there was little consultation on changes to stops, routes, and the frequency of services.

The report is calling for bus services in Newcastle and Sydney to be put back in public hands, and for quality targets to be established for future private contracts.

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp says the findings are hardly surprising.

"We've known this for a very long time," he said. "I get an enormous amount of feedback on the bus service.

"When it was privatised, it was devastating for vulnerable people in our community, particularly the disabled and the elderly."

The Greens and Labor members on the six-person committee have come under fire by the three Coalition members, however, who have described the report as an attack on the State Government ahead of next year's election.

Labor says it will honour the current contracts if it wins in March, but it would look into the findings by establishing a new taskforce.

Mr Crakanthorp says it should be a wake-up call, both for the State Government and for the private operator.

"Ultimately, taxpayers are paying for this service, and the service needs to meet the need of the people paying for it," he said. 

"They're the people in our community who need to get from A to B. They need to do it on efficient, reliable, and clean transport."

"They're the priority, and the Government and Keolis Downer need to look at the report and take something out of it, and improve the services to that end."

Industrial action could have flow-on effects for Hunter trains

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Major industrial action on the State's train network on Wednesday could have flow-on effects for the Hunter.

The Hunter Line won't be affected by the ban on operating foreign-built trains, but the Intercity line between Newcastle and Sydney could be impacted.

If services are cancelled, replacement buses are expected to be in short supply.

Regional booked services should also be operating as normal.

Hunter school buses to be fitted out with seatbelts

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Selected school bus routes in the Hunter will be equipped with seatbelts, as the State Government extends the $237 million program to the region.

100 school buses across Cessnock, Singleton, Maitland, and Port Stephens are being fitted out, after studies of roads with higher-risk ratings.

Regional Roads Minister Sam Farraway says it's important to keep kids safe on their way to and from school.

"This program has already ensured a safer trip to and from school for more than 200,000 students who often travel long distances on dirt roads," he said. 

"This will deliver improved safety for school buses travelling long distances on unsealed roads and on roads outside urban areas with a speed limit of 80km/h and above."

"And of course, it will give parents more comfort knowing their kids are better protected when  travelling to school."

35 buses in the Upper Hunter were retrofitted earlier this year, in addition to 37 brand new buses.

Newcastle bus drivers shut off the engines for four-hour strike

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Newcastle bus drivers are walking off the job on Friday, turning off the engines for four hours in a dispute over pay and conditions.

It comes after the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) voted to reject the latest offer of a wage increase from Keolis Downer, Newcastle Transport's private operator.

Members are calling on both the company and the State Government to step up and come to the table with a better offer.

Tram and Bus Division President Daniel Jaggers says drivers haven't been left any other choice.

"Keolis Downer told drivers they could work seven days a week to supplement their income, because they claim they can only pay what the State Government gives them," Mr Jaggers said.

"If that is the case, the RTBU is calling on Minister David Elliott to have these contracts readjusted to ensure our members receive a living wage."

Buses won't be operating from 10am to 2pm on Friday, and members will also gather at the Hamilton Bus Depot at 10:45am, before marching to Wickham Park.

It's hoped the stop-work will minimise disruptions at peak travel times for students and workers.

School bus services aren't expected to be affected.

Keolis Downer has been approached for comment, but Newcastle Transport has apologised for the disruption on social media.

Image credit: https://newcastletransport.info

Newcastle to get electric buses in green transport plan

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Newcastle's bus fleet is starting to go green, as part of a plan to introduce electric-powered buses in the city.

Three zero emission buses will join Newcastle Transport in coming months.

It's the first time the technology's been permanently introduced outside of Sydney.

It's part of a State Government commitment to pollution-free public transport, including transitioning all 8,000 buses across NSW to zero emissions.

The vehicles are being manufactured by the BusTech Group.

The buses have a range of 400km and can complete a full day's operation on a single charge.

They're also considered to be low noise emitters.

Hamilton Bus Depot will also be upgraded with chargers and other infrastructure to support the new additions to the fleet.

Transport Minister David Elliott, Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin and Keolis Downer General Manager Emmanual Genlot made the announcement on Tuesday afternoon.

Government grilled on whether the Hunter will get compensation for train delays

BY CONNOR MARSELOS

The Opposition is calling on the State Government to provide clarity whether a scheme for train commuters receiving half-price fares at peak time, will also benefit the Hunter.

New South Wales is set to roll-out a plan that will ease the strain on Sydney commuters impacted by the train dispute, including the total shutdown on Monday and major delays since.

But it's unclear whether the compensation will apply to regional commuters.

The Minister for Regional Transport says, he's still waiting to find from Transport for New South Wales.

Image credit: transportnsw.info

Speers Point to Glendale shared pathway on track for commuters

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Works on the Speers Point to Glendale shared pathway have wrapped up.

The track runs parallel with Cockle Creek, past Waratah Golf Club, and links at Glendale with the existing Tramway Track to Wallsend.

The completion of the leg means cyclists and commuters have a continuous, mostly off-road 18 kilometre route to the University of Newcastle and beyond.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser says it's great for commuting, exercise, or just sightseeing.

"It's known throughout New South Wales and Australia about our Fernleigh Shared Track, about our Richmond Vale Trail, the beautiful shared paths around our city and the other local government areas," Cr Fraser said.

"Adding this to that will mean that people will be able to actually use it as a tourist destination, but also, a means of getting to work as well."

Image credit: www.lakemac.com.au

More industrial action on the Hunter rail network

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Hunter's facing more disruption on the rail network today, as the Rail, Tram and Bus Union prepare for an overnight stoppage across the State.

The stoppage is scheduled to run from 8pm on Monday to 4am on Tuesday morning, but it's likely disruptions will begin as early as 3:30pm this afternoon.

Intercity and Regional services will be significantly impacted by the action.

Although it's currently in negotiations with the NSW Government over privatisation issues and the treatment of rail workers, the union's maintained a steady campaign of industrial action in recent weeks.

But NSW TrainLink Chief Executive Dale Merrick says the union should reconsider the action ahead of the holiday period.

“To take action that potentially ruins Christmas for some regional customers, after a tough year already, is pretty poor form," Mr Merrick said.

“We want unions to consider withdrawing the action altogether and focus on taking the bargaining forward."

It's likely the stoppage will have flow-on effects later in the week.

 

New ferry service to link Lake Macquarie across the water

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Lake Macquarie will soon see ferries back on its waters, with services set to return from January 1.

The new ferries will cut almost half an hour off travel times around the lake, running between Speers Point, Booragul, Toronto, Belmont, and Wangi Wangi. 

It's hoped the service could be expanded to new locations, although Warners Bay is currently considered too shallow for a stop.

The vessel can carry 120 passengers, and is expected to run for a six-month trial following a soft launch at Lake Mac Carols on Saturday 12 December.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser says the ferry's return to the lake is "absolutely exciting".

"It just made a real statement, it stood out," Cr Fraser said. "Everyone was coming down to have a look, they were really excited to see a ferry back on the lake."

"It's been a long time since we've had a ferry, and I'm really looking forward to it starting up again."

The service is likely to be a boost to tourism, especially for local art lovers, linking venues such as the Museum of Art and Culture at Booragul and Wangi Wangi's Dobell House.

One-way tickets between any two stops will cost $13, return tickets are set at $26, and an all-day pass for the ferry is $30. 

Newcastle Light Rail services back on track after mechanical issues

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Most Newcastle Light Rail services are running again after being suspended over the weekend due to a mechanical issue.

Services shut last Thursday afternoon after a fault with the gearbox.

Transport for NSW says the problem is unrelated to faults identified with Sydney's Inner West fleet. 

Full capacity services are expected to resume later in the week.

Image credit: newcastletransport.info