Delivering local priorities in Robertson

The Federal Government continues to deliver high-priority local transport and community infrastructure projects across Robertson on the NSW Central Coast, with significant funding increases kickstarting a pipeline of new work.

26 June 2024

 

FEDERAL Minister for Local Government, Kristy McBain joined Federal Member for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid last week to highlight the significant impact this funding boost will have.

 

Minister for Local Government, Kristy McBain said, “When we work together, we get better outcomes for our communities – which is why the Albanese Labor Government has increased the funding available to the Central Coast Council to progress their local priority projects.

 

“Whether it’s revitalising a local park or making local roads across Robertson safer, our increased funding is supporting local jobs, boosting liveability, and unlocking a range of social and economic opportunities across the Central Coast.”

 

To improve road safety across Robertson, Central Coast Council will receive over $24.3 million over the next five years under the Roads to Recovery (RTR) program – a boost of over $10.5 million thanks to the Federal Government.

 

Projects already delivered through RTR in Robertson include pothole and surface repairs along Russell Street at East Gosford ($950,556 – fully funded by the Australian Government) and improvements to Vicary Road at Terrigal ($150,000 in federal funding).

 

More than $4.3 million is flowing to the Central Coast Council under Phase 4 of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program – which builds on over $19.2 million committed under Phases 1–3.

 

Future works include patching and resurfacing Wards Hill Road at Killcare Heights, from Scenic Road to Maitland Bay Drive (over $749,000), and improvements to Davistown Road at Saratoga (over $203,000) – both fully funded by the Federal Government.

 

Murrumbooee Place at Point Claire will also be refurbished, along with Syd Sherar Park at Erina – as part of 12 park renewals across the Central Coast sharing in $751,000 in federal funding.

 

Forty-six road improvement projects are progressing across the Central Coast region as part of a $40 million government investment.

 

This includes Debenham Road South at West Gosford, Erina Valley Road at Erina, Hillcrest Street at Terrigal, and The Scenic Road at MacMasters Beach – with upgrades making these roads safer for these growing communities.

 

An additional 29 projects are sharing in the $86.5 million Central Coast Roads Package, including surfaces upgrades on Steyne Road at Saratoga, and improvements to Mutu Street at Woy Woy.

 

On top of this, the government is investing $100 million in the Avoca Drive Upgrade, which includes widening the section between Carrak Road and Killuna Road intersections to reduce congestion and improve safety.

 

Planning for the project is well advanced, with construction due to start in mid-2025 and be completed by late 2028.

 

The government is also boosting the capacity of Central Coast Council to maintain and upgrade local infrastructure across Robertson, with $31.6 million in untied Financial Assistance (FA) Grant funding flowing to the council in 2023-24.

 

Federal Member for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid said, “Local roads across Robertson are under increasing demand as more people choose to call the Central Coast home – which is why this funding boost is fantastic news for our community.

 

“From better connecting people at upgraded community facilities, to keeping drivers safer on our local roads – the Federal Labor Government’s investments have already delivered significant benefits across Robertson.

 

“Without our record funding increases, local projects across the Central Coast wouldn’t get off the ground – which is why I’m excited we can continue to build a better future in Robertson and deliver what the community deserves.”

 

Nationally, the Federal Government is delivering significant funding increases to support local councils progress priority projects.

 

The Roads to Recovery program is progressively increasing from $500 million to $1 billion per year, the Road Black Spot Program is increasing to $150 million per year, and a new $200 million Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program will soon roll out.