The Minister for Regional Transport and Roads has responded to a petition calling for an overpass at the intersection of Houston Mitchell Drive and the Pacific Highway.

Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams said she is disappointed that Minister Aitchison has not made any commitment of funding for planning an overpass despite tabling the petition with 16,268 signatures on 21st August and debating it in Parliament on 21st September.

“This is an issue that has been discussed for a number of years with progress made in 2022 with the $2.9 million safety improvements completed by the former Liberals and Nationals Government.  

“I congratulate the Bonny Hills Progress Association for taking up the challenge of attracting so many people to sign the petition,” Mrs Williams said.

“Whilst the Minister acknowledged the strength of the petition, she failed in her response to the House to make any commitment for planning an overpass and sadly I am not aware of any funding in the recent budget for this critical step forward.  

In the response, Minister Aitchison said, “I would like to thank the petitioners for the strong advocacy on this issue. The NSW Government takes road safety very seriously, and any fatality is too many as we continue to work towards zero road deaths.”

“I am advised that in 20233 Transport for NSW implemented some minor upgrades to address safety concerns and improve sight lines at the intersection. Those upgrades are part of a staged approach towards an ultimate treatment at the intersection. I understand works already completed include providing acceleration and deceleration lanes and electronic warning signs.”

“In June this year, Transport for NSW undertook some additional data collection and I am please to hear that investigations for additional upgrades for the intersection are being considered. The investigations are likely to identify staging options, with initial stages potentially reducing some movements at the intersection in the short ter. Grade separation is an option being explored in the longer term. The implementation of future upgrades is dependent on investment prioritisation, funding availability and relevant environmental approvals.”

“I will also write to the Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development of Australia and Local Government, the Hon Catherine King and the Federal Assistant Minister for Infrastructure, Senator the Hon carol Brown to draw their attention to the issues.”

“I will ensure that Transport for NSW continues to keep the community informed of progress as we go forward.”

Mrs Williams said she also has grave concerns that the funding committed to the

proposed grade separated interchange of the Pacific Highway and Harrington/Coopernook Road by the previous Liberals and Nationals Government will not be honoured with the Federal Labor Government currently reviewing all infrastructure projects.

“I am calling on Minister Aitchison to pressure her Federal counterparts to provide certainty for this important safety improvement project,” Mrs Williams said.