Liberal candidate for Maitland Steve Thomson yesterday announced the list of projects for East Maitland, Metford, Rutherford and Maitland.

Mr Thomson said the funds were particularly welcome at Lindesay Street, East Maitland where council will build three refuges on what is a busy road. 

Students from Maitland Grossmann High School and Maitland High School often have to cross Lindesay Street, which is a popular back-road to Nelson Bay.

“This is all about making it safer for pedestrians and bike riders,” Mr Thomson said.

“This is a busy section of road – it’s Raymond Terrace Road essentially.”

Statewide the government will invest $40 million in similar projects in the 2015-16 financial year.

The state government will completely fund the pedestrian refuges at Lindesay Street ($50,000); Chelmsford Drive, Metford ($10,270); Shipley Drive, Rutherford ($29,241); and at High Street near the tourist information centre ($39,798).

The state government has also set aside $49,000 to help upgrade the cycleway between Victoria Street Station and High Street, East Maitland.

Council is expected to match this grant dollar-for-dollar.

“If we want to encourage more people to leave their car at home and get active we need to provide safe, convenient and connected walking and cycling networks,” Mr Thomson said.

“This investment is about connecting people and places and making a difference to the way residents move around their communities.”