Zali Steggall launches lobbying campaign calling on NSW officials to finally fix transport issues on northern beaches.

Outspoken MP Zali Steggall has launched a lobbying campaign — on behalf of frustrated locals — calling on NSW officials to finally fix transport issues on the northern beaches.

The upgrade of the Spit Bridge, notorious for causing lengthy traffic snarls, would be one of the issues Warringah MP Zali Steggall would call on transport planners to tackle in an effort to improve the quality of life for locals on the northern beaches and Lower North Shore. Picture: Manly Daily

Zali Steggall has kicked off an intense lobbying campaign calling on state authorities to properly tackle “appalling” public transport and poor roads on the northern beaches and Lower North Shore

The outspoken federal MP for Warringah says residents’ calls for improvements, such as widening the notorious Spit Bridge, have been repeatedly ignored by successive state governments.

Prompted by the cancellation of the Beaches Link tunnel — designed to take traffic off the Spit Bridge and Military Rd — and the poor performance of privatised bus services, Ms Steggall wants to ensure the area is not overlooked in future planning.

The MP is already organising meetings with key transport and road officials and community groups to gather insights into potential solutions.

The independent federal MP for Warringah, Zali Steggall, overlooking The Spit Bridge on Friday. Ms Steggall says it needs to be massively upgraded to help tackle traffic and transport issues on the northern beaches and Lower North Shore. Picture: Supplied

Ms Steggall will also host a public forum early next year to make sure “residents voices are heard as we work towards a more efficient and accessible transport system”.

An invitation will also be fired off to NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen to join the federal MP on a drive over the Spit Bridge during one of its six daily openings, or during peak hour.

Ms Steggall also wants to meet the minister to discuss how transport and road issues can be fixed in Warringah.

An artist’s impression of the start of the Beaches Link tunnel at Balgowlah. Picture: NSW Government.

“The cancelling of the Beaches Link tunnel, the privatising of bus services, which has seen a staggering 28,526 failed services this year alone, and a botched roll out of new Manly ferries which were not fit for purpose, outlines an appalling track record of transport solutions in the Warringah area,” she said.

“Northern beaches and Lower North Shore residents have put up with poor transport for too long.

“There are serious issues with the ageing infrastructure, and the outsourcing of services that has failed to keep step with the population and needs in this area.

The privatisation of public buses on the northern beaches and Lower North Shore has led to complaints of reduced services. Picture: Brad Hunter

“We must focus on modern transport solutions”.

Ms Steggall said that while Beaches Link faced challenges and required further assessment it offered long term infrastructure solutions for residents.

The MP said promises to widen the Spit Bridge to get rid of the traffic bottlenecks, had been made by various governments since the early 2000s.

“While the Spit Bridge holds historical significance, it falls short as a modern transport infrastructure.

“The frequent raising of the bridge — six to eight times daily — only exacerbates congestion, particularly when three lanes are merged into one during certain times of the day.

“It is imperative that these issues are addressed promptly and comprehensively to enhance the quality of life for the residents of Warringah.”