State rejects Woy Woy Rd

Reclassification of Woy Woy Rd as a State road may take years, according to The Bays Community Group.

Roads Minister Mr Michael Daley has told Gosford Council that a review process started in 2004 was still under way and that Woy Woy Rd could not now be included in it.

No date had been set for the next reclassification review.

Community group president Mr Bob Puffett has written to Gosford mayor Cr Chris Holstein asking why the council had not submitted the road for review in 2004.

Community group vice-president Mr Greg McMullen said residents of The Bays community were frustrated at discovering Gosford Council did not submit the road for a RTA reclassification review in 2004.

"It just seems ridiculous that this major link to the Peninsula and F3 would not be considered a State Government responsibility.

"It is clear a significant number of motorists use the road.

"This was most recently seen after an accident on Woy Woy Rd left traffic banked-up along for several kilometres to Kariong."

"If road reclassification submissions from 2004 are still being looked into, it could take a number of years to see Woy Woy Rd a State Government responsibility," Mr McMullen said.

In a letter to council on behalf of Minister for Roads Mr Michael Daley, it was stated, "In relation to the reclassification of Woy Woy Rd, I note that council did not include this in its submission to the Road Classification Review Panel".

"It is not appropriate that this road be considered for reclassification outside the review presently under consideration," the letter stated.

"The NSW Government intends to announce the review shortly."

At its meeting on March 3, council resolved to participate in discussions with the RTA in seeking the reclassification of Woy Woy Rd as a State road and express its support for the construction of a Bull's Hill bypass.

Mr McMullen said the bypass was a "common sense" option for Woy Woy Rd but was sceptical about getting the project off the ground with so many barriers to go through.

Council agenda CIT.18, 3 Mar 2009 Clare Graham, 12 Mar 2009 Interviewee: Greg McMullen, The Bays Community Group