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(Media release issued by Chris Bowen, Acting Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government) Tenders have been called for a comprehensive study into the transport needs of the Lower Hunter Region. Acting Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister, Chris Bowen, said that the Department will work with the RTA to manage the study, which will be conducted by an independent consultant. "The study will be an important step in developing strategies for transport connections between the major Lower Hunter centres of Maitland, Cessnock and Singleton and Newcastle and the F3," Mr Bowen said. "The tender is for an independent consultant to review the performance of land transport networks in the study area and connections to adjacent areas, and to identify current issues and future challenges." Tenders for the Lower Hunter Transport Needs Study will close on Monday, 14 July 2008. The study will build on previous studies and will consult with community, local government and industry. NSW Minister for Roads, Eric Roozendaal, said that land transport strategies will be identified that can meet passenger and freight needs over the next 25-years, in particular, the need to improve access connecting Maitland, Cessnock and Singleton with Newcastle and the F3. "The study will also identify potential proposals to deliver on these strategies and assess the relative benefits of each proposal, based on strategic engineering, environmental, economic and cost assessment in meeting the identified long term land use and transport needs of the study area," Mr Roozendaal said. "The study will also provide an independent review of the existing cost estimate for the F3 to Branxton proposal. "A Council Reference Group will be established to make sure there is appropriate consultation with key local stakeholders and will include representatives of Maitland, Cessnock and Singleton Councils and the NSW Department of Planning. "Community consultation will be held with a wide range of local stakeholders and their input will be sought at workshops." The final study report will be completed by 15 November 2008 for submission to respective Ministers and subsequently be submitted to Infrastructure Australia by the end of November 2008. A study website will also be established to ensure stakeholders have access to the terms of reference, key reference documents and study updates.
Media Contacts
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Jeff Singleton (
Mr Albanese's Office ) |
0410 476 890
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Stavro Sofios (
Mr Roozendaal's Office ) |
0418 685 960
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