In 2014 City of Newcastle released its report & plan for the Western Corridor which contains Maryland, Fletcher & Minmi

 

In this report, it detailed the required work, finances and plans to efficiently and equitably manage and develop the area in accordance with the rapid growth. Specifically, it outlines the financial contribution that each development must pay to cover the cost of upgrading and maintaining two key areas, Traffic and Transport & Social Infrastructure.

 

At the time, It listed a fee of $20,000 to all approved residential lots and set a new fee of $30,000 for any “Planned Future Development sites”.

 

To date, 2021, this has netted the council $75,516,734, of which Traffic and Transport is allocated $25,167,560 and Social Infrastructure $50,349,174.  

 

Within the Plan area a total of nine areas were identified where residential developments or other developments, have recently been completed or are being planned to be implemented in the future. The location of these developments are;

 

Approved Development sites

• Nikkinba Ridge

• Hidden Waters

• St Andrews Way

• Sanctuary Estate

• The Outlook

 

Planned Future Development sites

• Coal and Allied Part 3A (Winton)

• 505 Minmi Road

• Xstrata Coal

• Seniors living.

 

For the past 3 decades, there has been little to no significant upgrades started or initiated by Council on this corridor, yet close to 7152 new dwellings have been approved or built and the contribution fee paid by developers.

Most weekday along Minmi Road, leaving the suburbs of Maryland, Fletcher & Minmi can take anywhere from 20 to 90 mins during peak travel times.

 

This is not acceptable and should be immediately reviewed by Council with plans brought forward to start the required upgrade works which are noted and recommended in their 2014 report.

 

Council has for too long spent their time focusing and investing in beachside walks, rooftops offices and indulgent mayoral programs instead of the real everyday problems that directly impact a large portion of the LGA.

 

Council are sitting on close to $75 million in local development contributions while we are sitting forever in traffic just to leave our suburbs.

 

Yesterday has been, tomorrow is coming, Now is the time. Demand action from City of Newcastle.

 

Let our Mayor Nuatali Nelmes hear you WARD 4.