Bennelong by-election: John Alexander at Macquarie University project announcement
JOHN Alexander has helped announce a project to better manage traffic congestion in Macquarie Park, as he continues campaigning in the Bennelong by-election.
Northern District Times
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JOHN Alexander has helped announce a project to better manage traffic congestion in Macquarie Park, as he continues campaigning in the Bennelong by-election.
Mr Alexander was at Macquarie University this morning with assistant minister for cities and digital transformation Angus Taylor to announce a $499,000 contribution to the university’s project.
The university will use new sensors and current sources of tracking Macquarie Park traffic and may lead to an app for motorists to help navigate the area.
The project would lead to a smart technology platform across the Macquarie Park district, according to the university.
This will help people make better travel decisions, according to the university.
It will share the data sets with business and government.
Mr Alexander said four of the most congested roads in the state pass through Macquarie Park, and transport solutions were needed.
“You do get absolute gridlock,” the recently-resigned federal Liberal MP said.
“The need to find solutions and relieve congestion is vitally important as it impacts on productivity.”
He said the project was also vital ahead of the Epping to Chatswood rail line shutdown, which will affect workers in the business park, next year.
Mr Taylor said while people already used their phones to monitor traffic, this would hopefully provide them with better data.
“We know as the data gets better, those decisions will become better decisions,” he said.
The university has contributed $250,000 to the project, and Ryde Council is contributing $250,000.
Free Wi-Fi through the Shrimptons Creek corridor at Macquarie Park is also planned, according to the council.
The grant is one of many being made under the federal government’s Smart Cities and Suburbs program.
The by-election is on December 16.
His Labor rival, former NSW premier Kristina Keneally, spend the morning talking to commuters outside Eastwood train station.