Lucy Wicks (Robertson, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

There are over 900 kilometres of local roads and more than 150 kilometres of regional roads in my electorate. People in my electorate depend on roads to get around, so I am proud of the fact that in this budget we are investing in safer local roads, including fixing a notorious accident-prone intersection at Langford Drive and Woy Woy Road in Kariong. We have worked with the Gosford Council and the Kariong Progress Association, and I am pleased to say this budget confirms our funding commitment of $675,000 to help deliver a safer intersection.

The Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Jamie Briggs, joined me in Kariong recently to inspect why we need this funding. Association president Peter Pauling, local resident Fiona Lloyd, and Tom Wilson, president of the Kariong Neighbourhood Centre have been tireless advocates for this funding for more than two years. Fiona told me that a new high school, playground and childcare centre in the area have meant an increase in traffic and pedestrian activity, resulting in several accidents. So I am pleased to confirm that as part of this budget, which is a 'contribute and build' budget, this project is now on track.

It is another great example of how our government are investing in the Central Coast. We are also bringing 600 jobs to Gosford as part of a purpose-built Commonwealth agency, with 300 of those from the Australian Taxation Office. I am proud of this government and this budget. In just nine months, the government have delivered on our positive growth plan for the Central Coast which in turn will help to build and realise so much of the hope— (Time expired)