A fourth river crossing possibly at Horseshoe Bend, a southern bypass and a new railway station in the city’s west are the three key components of Maitland council’s long-term wishlist for the city.
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Council will soon lodge a submission to the State Government asking it to incorporate the three infrastructure projects in its 2036 Hunter Regional Plan.
Maitland Mayor Peter Blackmore and West Ward Councillor Henry Meskauskas, who has been an advocate for the three projects for several years, agreed both council and the state have to start planning further ahead for NSW’s fastest growing inland city.
Maitland’s population is forecast to increase by more than 26,000 during the next 20 years according to a plan that sets out a framework for future growth and sustainable development across the Hunter Region.
The Hunter Regional Plan 2036 recognises that infrastructure will be essential. The plan was discussed at a recent council meeting and a draft, including council’s infrastructure wishlist, will be placed on public exhibition for comment.
The plan replaces the existing Lower Hunter Regional Strategy that was released by the State Government in 2006.
Cr Meskauskas said he has spoken to Roads and Maritime Services representatives on several occasions suggesting a second by pass for the city that would link Thornton with Farley.
“We have to plan ahead,” Cr Meskauskas said. “Our population is going to be over 100,000 in a few years time so now is the time to start setting foundations,” he said.
Cr Meskauskas has also been vocal in the past about resurrecting an old railway station near Aberglasslyn. He said the western suburbs had outgrown Telarah station with the car park and streets surrounding it filled with all-day parkers.
Regarding a fourth river crossing, he said people in the city’s north needed an escape route in times of flood and a bridge towards the city centre near Horseshoe Bend would be ideal.
Mayor Peter Blackmore agrees plans must be locked into place now for the city’s long-term viability and to cope with massive growth.
“We do need to consider these things for the future and we can only hope these things will be achieved,” Cr Blackmore said.
“I can’t see it happening within the life of this council but perhaps it might be a benchmark for future councils to look at.”
He said the people would have a say.
“The community has the right to be given the opportunity to look at proposals and come forward with their comments,” he said. “This is a big wishlist but it’s a discussion we must have.”
