A MAJOR push to address Port Macquarie’s most notorious traffic bottleneck officially began on Friday, 22 August, with the launch of a community petition calling for urgent upgrades to the Oxley Highway.
The petition, driven by Business Port Macquarie and Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer, needs 10,000 signatures to be debated in NSW Parliament.
It calls on the State Government to immediately undertake planning and design works, as well as develop a business case for the upgrade between the Wrights Road and Lake Road roundabouts.
Mr Dwyer said the campaign reflects growing frustration in the community.
“I have met with Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison, I met with Premier Chris Minns, I have had a number of meetings with Transport for NSW and I have spoken in Parliament about the biggest traffic bottleneck in Port Macquarie,” he said.
“By signing this petition, every person in the area is sending a very clear message to the Government that we are sick and tired of being stuck in traffic at ever increasing times during the day.
“Enough is enough, we are sick of words and want actions.”
Mr Dwyer praised the Port Macquarie business community for stepping up on the issue.
“I have nothing but praise for Business Port Macquarie for undertaking the petition and for the many businesses that have come on board to help end the road block on the Oxley Highway,” he said.
Business Port Macquarie President Peter Jones said urgent action was a must.
“Traffic congestion at these locations is now at an intolerable level and is costing millions of dollars in lost productivity due to delays in getting 20,000 vehicles into and out of Port Macquarie every day,” Mr Jones said.
“I am hoping that our community really gets behind the petition which is available for signing at participating businesses in the Hastings.”
If successful, the petition will push the Government to classify the upgrade as a State Significant Project, unlocking the pathway to State and Federal funding.
By Sis HIGGINS
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