Gosford commuter carparking: Questions raised over election pledge
When the federal government pledged $35 million for commuter carpark upgrades, commuters were ecstatic. Six months on, Labor Senator Deb O’Neill is questioning the pledge and calling for a timeline for construction.
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Questions are being asked and timelines sought around commuter carparking commitments for the Central Coast.
It has been almost six months since the federal government pledged $35 million to more than 600 additional commuter carparks for Gosford and 140 for Woy Woy.
NSW Labor Senator Deborah O’Neill and the Gosford state Labor MP Liesl Tesch have approached Minister for Infrastructure Michael McCormack calling for a timeline and update on carparking relief for coast commuters.
Ms O’Neill said she was concerned in parliament last week when the government was unable to name a single urban congestion project that would be started before Christmas.
“The Morrison Government had a lot to say about commuter carparks before and during the Federal Election, but we’ve heard nothing on this since,” she said.
“It has been four months since the Federal Election and there are questions the Morrison Government needs to answer. At the top of the list is a timeline for these projects.
“This is a real issue for the community — they cannot wait another 5 years for these carparks.”
Robertson federal Liberal MP Lucy Wicks said talks had been held this week between federal government and NSW Transport to discuss the rollout of commuter carparks under the Urban Congestion Fund.
Ms Wicks said she had been advised both levels of government were looking forward to ensuring the projects were “delivered as soon as possible”.
“I understand the minister’s office is working with the state and planning is underway to deliver the project as soon as possible. I am proud to be a member of a Government that is investing record funding in much-needed infrastructure on the Central Coast.”
Ms O’Neill said commuter carparking was about a “better quality of life”.
“At a time when wages are not keeping up with the cost of living and people are doing everything they can to keep their head above water, the Morrison Government should be doing everything it can to make it easier for the thousands of Central Coast commuters,” she said.
A Central Coast Council report into Gosford CBD carparking last year found an immediate shortfall of 500 parking spaces, with a forecasted shortfall of 1200 spaces due to completed developments.
Council is also working on a short, medium and long term strategy for parking in Gosford.