Commuter carparking in Gosford and Woy Woy: Senator says “no movement” on $35m pledge
A Central Coast based Senator says there is no movement on the $35 million pledge for more commuter carparking at Gosford and Woy Woy.
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Tired Central Coast commuters struggling to find a carpark each day will finish the year with the hope of more carparking to come in 2020.
A $35 million Federal Government pledge for more than 600 extra carparks in Gosford and Woy Woy in March came as welcome news, however Central Coast based Labor Senator Deborah O’Neill says no movement has been made on the pledge.
“We have got to keep the pressure on for the commitment around commuter carparking,” she said.
“People are struggling to find a carpark after 7am at Gosford and Woy Woy. It’s getting ridiculous.”
Mrs O’Neill said she met with Minister for Infrastructure Michael McCormack to discuss the issue and said she received “no answers”.
“There’s no commitment, no dates, no signed contacts,” she said.
She also contacted Central Coast Council which indicated council had filled out forms for the funding however was waiting on a response from the Federal Government.
“I will not rest on this issue,” she said.
“I will continue to hold this government accountable to get on with the job and deliver those carparking spaces.
“Commuters are up so early and it puts extra pressure on their families. They needed this investment in carparking seven years ago.”
Robertson federal Liberal MP Lucy Wicks, who announced the $35 million pledge, said the new infrastructure would make life better for commuters.
“Additional commuter carparking is absolutely vital infrastructure for our hardworking commuters,” she said.
“We are working with all levels of government to get it done. It is a major investment which is in detailed planning and the Federal Government, which is investing $35 million in the project, is in regular discussions with both the State Government and Central Coast Council on the delivery of these projects.”
Meanwhile the Central Coast Commuters Association said the Federal Government must be congratulated on the pledge, however indicated they want to see the carparks at the stations as opposed remote carparking with park and ride services.
“If Central Coast Council were to have major input into the project commuters may be dudded again,” Commuters Association president Eddie Ellis said.
Mr Ellis, who has been lobbying for the extension of the existing Gosford station commuter carpark, said council had identified sites that were a 15-20 minute walk to the station.
“This would only serve the Councils’ needs, and not the commuters,” he said.
“There is no reason for Central Coast Council to be involved at all. If a shuttle bus were to be introduced, it may last only a few months, as happened previously.
“The current car park in Showground Road next to the station should be expanded. This is currently at ground level and can be expanded upwards. No other site should be considered.”
Council launched its free Gosford CBD Shuttle this week which will run from parking stations at Adcock Park or Racecourse Road and stop around the CBD.