BY GARY LYSAGHT
The Federal Government has committed to chipping in $1 million to help Dungog Shire Council upgrade Gresford’s main road.
The Federal Government has committed to chipping in $1 million to help Dungog Shire Council upgrade Gresford’s main road.
The announcement was part of an election promise, which will
see Park Street upgraded with the Government’s assistance, along with $3
million from Council.
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| Gresford's new MP, David Gillespie (left) with Dungog Mayor Harold Johnston. |
Lyne MP David Gillespie says the road has been in need of an
upgrade for some time.
“It’s not drained and it’s on a hill. And when it’s raining it’s really quite
dangerous because there’s nowhere for the water to run away to,” he said.
The road is also an essential part of the Gresford Billy
Cart Derby, an annual event which sees more than 5 000 tourists visit the small
town and pump more than $50 000 into the economy.
“People come from all over the State, not just nearby
Newcastle and Maitland,” said Gillespie.
“It’s an iconic event.”
The road can be dangerous for the racers, with the road
being quite worn out.
“The surface is pretty dodgy and that’s why I think the
Gresford billy cart people will be extremely happy,” said the town’s new MP.
Gresford became part of Lyne after the electoral redistributions which saw the abolition of Charlton and dramatic changes to
Hunter, currently held by Labor stalwart, Joel Fitzgibbon.
Previously, Gresford was in Paterson, then held by former MP
Bob Baldwin.
Gillespie is hopeful his funding commitment will get him and
his new constituents off to a good start.
“I’m demonstrating that I can deliver the goods for what has
been promised in the past,” he said.
[Image Source: The Newcastle Herald].
