Lloyd promises F3 link study

The Howard Government will fund a $1 million study into directly linking the Woy Woy Peninsula and the F3 Freeway if re-elected.

"With continued growth in both population and commerce on the Peninsula, it is time for some visionary thinking for the future," said Member for Robertson Mr Jim Lloyd.

"A direct link between the Peninsula and the F3 will not only provide greater access for tourism and commuters, but will take traffic away from already notoriously busy intersections along the Central Coast Highway such as those at Brisbane Water Dr at West Gosford and Woy Woy Rd at Kariong.

"Traffic congestion and road infrastructure is a major issue on the Central Coast and a new visionary link road will provide congestion relief for motorists' right across the southern part of the Central Coast."

Mr Lloyd, who is Minister for Local Government, Territories and Roads, noted that there would be some who would criticize the plan, but suggested the benefits would out way the criticism.

He said that this would include the fact that people would get home to their families quicker, it would remove congestion from the Central Coast Highway and it would also include possible petrol savings.

"Hypothetically, it could cut 20 minutes of average traveling times," Mr Lloyd said.

Mr Lloyd said to his knowledge this was the first study of its kind.

He noted that there was an "urban legend" that a previous road cutting near the newly constructed weighbridge southbound on the F3 was meant to connect to the Peninsula, however this was the original direction the road would take to the planned Mooney Mooney Bridge before its relocation, according to the Roads and Traffic Authority.

Mr Lloyd said he noted there would be important issues to consider in the study, such as the national park that the road may cut through and also any Aboriginal heritage sites.

Mr Lloyd also noted that he was disappointed that Labor was already knocking the plan.

Mr Lloyd said he doubted the proposed road would increase business to the Peninsula area, but stated that it may increase tourism.

He also said that the study was an election promise and would be contingent on the Governments re-election.

While opening Mr Lloyd's Peninsula campaign office, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport and Regional Services Mr Mark Vaile said that the funding for the Woy Woy Peninsula to F3 Freeway link study would be included in the Howard Government's 2020 Plan for Australia's Transport Future.

"The Howard Government is committed to building Australia's infrastructure for the future prosperity of our great country.

"Ever since his initial campaign to re-open the Old Pacific Highway prior to being elected as the Federal Member for Robertson, Jim Lloyd has always been championing the Central Coasts' cause for better road funding, particularly for the F3 Freeway."

Mr Lloyd said the Peninsula would be a "key battlefield" in this election.

He said he had opened an office in Woy Woy due to the "strong support" he had on the Peninsula, which he described as a "traditionally Labor area".

Press release, 7 Oct 2007 Jim Lloyd, Member for Robertson