NEW BRIDGE PROJECT TO UNLOCK 1,600 HOME SITES IN WAUCHOPE
Construction is planned to begin later next year on a new bridge to replace Steels Bridge at Yippin Creek to provide flood-free access as well as an upgrade of Beechwood Road between Waugh Street and Glenview Drive.
Visiting the site today with State Member for Oxley Michael Kemp and officers from Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, Federal Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie said the project was critical to cater for the region’s growth, particularly in and around Wauchope, and will see the replacement of an ageing structure that has required regular maintenance.
“As many locals would be aware, this area of Yippin Creek that runs past Glenview Estate and up to the Wauchope Racecourse can experience flooding during severe weather events,” Dr Gillespie said.
“The new bridge and road works that form part of the project will ensure flood-free access through this part of Beechwood Road allowing new residential areas to open up, catering for 1,600 new homes.”
“Housing affordability is affected by several key factors. They include interest rates, labour costs, red tape and land supply. At the Commonwealth level, the government has an important role to play in how it sets its fiscal policy and working in tandem with the Reserve Bank to ensure mortgage rates remain low, and at the State level, more work still needs to be done to reduce red tape in the planning system,” Dr Gillespie said.
“Today’s announcement is important because this project overcomes one of the biggest hurdles in opening up new land supply for housing in the local area. Having flood free access to areas identified for future residential development will support Council to continue to deliver on identified areas for future urban growth in the Wauchope area.”
The $14-million project has received $5-million in support under the Australian Government’s Bridges Renewal Program and $6-million through the NSW Government Accelerated Infrastructure Fund. The road works will also include new shared pathways.
Council’s Director of Community Infrastructure Robert Fish said work was underway on the detailed design for the project.
“A consultant has been appointed who will undertake the detailed design and approvals stage of the project and we anticipate construction will get underway in 2025/26 once that work is complete,” Mr Fish said.
“The project includes a further stage of the Beechwood Road upgrade with the replacement of Steels Bridge to a level above the 1% Annual Exceedance Probability (1 in a 100 year) flood event.”
“Delivery of the more resilient route through the upgrade of Beechwood Road will open up land around Yippin Creek providing for more housing opportunities in the region,” he added.
State Member for Oxley Michael Kemp said the project would also deliver new community infrastructure.
“The shared pathways and proposed open areas amongst a large-scale increase in housing supply is the perfect way to help have a fit, happy and thriving community,” Mr Kemp said.
“It addresses a regional shortage of housing, which in turn drives up supply, and puts market pressure downwards on the cost of housing,” he added.