Wentworth Point promised $8.5 million for Hill Rd, Bennelong Parkway

First $100 million was promised to upgrade a notorious roundabout and now long-suffering residents’ No. 1 wish for their crowded suburb has been pledged.

Wentworth Point residents have been promised $8.5 million to fix the congested and flood-prone Hill Rd and Bennelong Parkway intersection after incumbent Reid Liberal MP Fiona Martin matched the Labor pledge made in March.

Ms Martin, who is desperate to hold on to her marginal seat, said the upgrade would go towards the installation of traffic lights at the intersection, which is the sole entrance and exit to Wentworth Point, where 15,000 residents live.

“As the gateway into Wentworth Point, Hill Rd suffers from many issues, including periodic flooding and it requires urgent upgrades,” Ms Martin said.

“Wentworth Point is a fast-growing and vibrant community, and as the local federal member I will continue to work with local government and the NSW state government to ensure that the area continues to be an amazing place to live.”

But Wentworth Point Residents’ Group convener Mark Green thought the election promise was tardy given Labor candidate Sally Sitou and opposition roads spokeswoman Catherine King made the same announcement in March.

“Polling must be bad if they’re matching it,’’ he said, adding that the Liberals had failed to make any effort in the suburb starved of services.

Urban Infrastructure MP Paul Fletcher and Reid MP Fiona Martin at Hill Rd and Bennelong Parkway at Wentworth Point.

“I’m in a bit of shock they left it so late in the campaign to announce it,’’ Mr Green said.

“If she announced it a month ago I’m 100 per cent sure she would have got a lot more traction.’’

While much lobbying continues to centre around funding for Parramatta light rail stage two to service Wentworth Point, Mr Green said Hill Rd was the primary problem.

“Hill Rd’s the No. 1 issue in this suburb,’’ he said.

Not only is Hill Rd congested but is also subject to flooding. Picture: Lee Williams/Facebook

Traffic on a waterlogged Hill Rd. Picture: Lee Williams/Facebook

“In every survey it rates as No.1. People either want a roundabout or they want lights.

“Everyone has to get in and out of here and realistically the light rail, even if it was to be announced today, takes a long time to be completed.’’

Mr Green predicted Ms Sitou to win Wentworth Point’s vote easily on May 21 and said the Liberals, who hold Reid by 3.2 per cent, had not put any effort into the peninsula community.

In April, the federal and state governments vowed to each allocate $50 million towards the long-awaited DFO roundabout at Australia Ave, Underwood Rd and Homebush Bay Drive.

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