Gosford commuter carparking: Three sites being investigated
A Central Coast Labor Senator says now is the perfect time to construct commuter carparking. It comes as three sites are being investigated in Gosford. Here’s the latest update.
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It’s fair to say no one on the Central Coast is holding their breath for more commuter carparking.
It’s been floated for years with the current multi-level carpark next to Gosford Station full most days before 7am.
In March 2019, Robertson federal Liberal MP Lucy Wicks announced $35 million for commuter carparking to include 600 carparks in Gosford and 140 in Woy Woy.
More than a year on, Labor Senator Deborah O’Neill says it’s time to get on with it.
“The Government did a big song and dance about this announcement in the 2019 Budget – it’s been over a year now, please get on with it,” she said.
“There has never been a more critical time for these carparks to be delivered. There are literally queue’s out the front of Centrelink across the coast for people wanting to work.”
Mrs O’Neill said now was the time to start construction with public movement reduced due to COVID-19 restrictions.
“Now is the perfect time to start construction when demand for the carparks is at all time low due to work from home arrangements,” she said.
“Lucy Wicks promised this car park. She needs to deliver on what she promised the people of the Coast.”
Ms Wicks told the Express three sites are currently being assessed for suitability in Gosford.
“The Federal Government has pledged $30 million towards commuter parking in Gosford,” she said.
“In consultation with the Department of Infrastructure, Central Coast Council short-listed three potential sites which are currently being investigated to assess their suitability for parking stations. These investigations will identify suitability of location, practicality and value for money of each site.”
Ms Wicks said the most suitable site would be chosen by the end of the month and come before a council meeting in June.
She said the $5 million towards parking in Woy Woy was also progressing with talks between the Federal Government and Transport for NSW to acquire space near the station.
“Since the election we have been pushing and progressing our local infrastructure projects with state and local governments to ensure they carry out planning and delivery as soon as possible,” she said.
“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic we have continued to complete, rollout, and progress significant elements of our $100 billion pipeline across Australia. The pandemic has had real impact on every aspect of life in Australia, but we have worked to ensure that any impacts on the delivery of our commitments, including the commuter car park program, are kept at a minimum.”