Get on with Woy Woy Rd, says chamber

The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has called on incoming State Government "to get on with important infrastructure projects"

"The Chamber is keen to see the new State Government fulfill its promises including the commitment to the Woy Woy Rd upgrade," said Chamber president Mr Matthew Wales.

"With a promised deadline of 2014-2015, there is no time to waste and we look forward to the new State Member for Gosford making the necessary approaches to Gosford Council to advance the design options for the new works as quickly as possible.

"The Chamber continues to have concerns over the timing and costing of the project particularly when the Council has not formally adopted any particular scheme nor had the works independently costed.

"Our advice is that the cost of the two kilometre project is more likely to be $60 million to $90 million rather than the quoted $30 million.

"However, we trust that the new Government has confirmed its costs and that the funds will be formally made available to the Council as soon as possible," said Mr Wales.

He said that there were still a number of design challenges ahead including property acquisition issues, National Parks and Wildlife approvals and a range of environmental studies.

"What is most important is that the process is started as soon as possible so that there are no delays in the delivery of the project.

"The sooner a scheme is agreed upon, the sooner the Council can confirm the cost and timing of the project in line with the new State Government's commitment.

"Certainly, the local business community will be watching with considerable interest as the Woy Woy Rd upgrade project proceeds as this has direct impacts of doing business on the Peninsula," said Mr Wales.

Media Release, 26 Mar 2011 Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce