MARCH 28, 2019
YOUR INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
-
PH: 4325 7369
ISSUE 204
Funding announced for 600 additional car spaces at Gosford
Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, discusses the parking situation with a commuter at Gosford railway station car park
C
entral Coast commuters were the big winners this week with the announcement on March 27 of a $35m upgrade for car parking at Gosford and Woy Woy railway stations.
Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, said the funds, from the Federal Government’s Urban Congestion Fund, would see $30m invested in 600 additional car spaces at Gosford, and $5m funding 140 more spots for Woy Woy commuters. “This is an issue that has been consistently raised
with me since becoming the Member for Robertson in 2013, and I am so pleased that we’re able to deliver this funding for our hard-working commuters,” Wicks said. “I’ve heard from many commuters about the frustrations of not being able to find a park, from people who park at 5am and sleep for an hour before catching the train, to parents who desperately want to spend time with their kids in the morning, rather than leaving before the sun rises to guarantee a park. “We are backing our commuters by working with Central Coast Council to form a strong plan to provide this vital infrastructure for the more
than 30,000 locals travelling to Sydney or Newcastle for work.” Wicks said securing the funding had been a “hard fought fight”. “This hasn’t been an easy win, but I would like to thank the thousands of people who signed petitions on the matter,” she said. “A lot of decisions are made because of the voice of the people.” Wicks emphasised that the move was not an election commitment, but that funds were already included in the Federal Budget. Consultation would be done with Central Coast Council
on the delivery of the parking spaces, she said. Central Coast Council Mayor, Jane Smith, said the significant increase in car parking spaces would go a long way in addressing the commuter and transport needs on the Coast. “Car parking and commuting are critical issues on the Coast and so this recognition and funding by the Federal Government is very welcome news for our community,” Smith said. “Council’s own Car Parking Strategy identifies the need for innovative parking solutions to meet the needs of our growing population. “This funding will allow
Council to provide the necessary upgrades needed at both stations and make a significant difference to the lives of our residents who currently commute.” The project forms part of a $253.5m congestion-busting funding boost for NSW as part of the Federal Government’s $1b Urban Congestion Fund. Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, said the investment will make life easier for Coast commuters. “Our investment means people can spend more time with friends and family, and tradies can be earning more on site, rather than being stuck in traffic or looking for parking,” he said.
“This is a significant investment in tackling the congestion hotspots that are costing people precious time and losing businesses money. “People living on the Central Coast know better than anyone the very real impacts that road congestion has on people’s lives and we are doing something about the pinch points and bottlenecks that lie at the heart of the problem.”
Office: Level 2, 86-88 Mann St, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net Mobile Website: www.coastcommunitynews.com.au
Source: Media release, Mar 27 Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks Interview, Mar 27 Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks Media release, Mar 27 Central Coast Mayor, Jane Smith