Pittwater MP shows NSW Premier unfinished Mona Vale Road West Construction site
New Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby visited the unfinished section of the Mona Vale Road West with NSW Premier Chris Minns on Saturday November 23.
The worksite has been almost empty since the completion of the Mona Vale East section of upgrades. As part of the works, the contractors had been constructing a new road formation along the northern side of Mona Vale Road next to Tumburra Street at Ingleside, offering a tantalising footprint in dirt of what is to come.
The project was put on pause following the recent state election.
In 2023 a Transport for NSW Spokesperson stated to Pittwater Online;
''Earlier this year, the NSW Government undertook an independent review of the state’s infrastructure pipeline, tasked with identifying projects and programs that should no longer proceed, be delayed or have their scope altered. As a result of this review, the Mona Vale Road West project has been deferred for two years.
Transport for NSW remains committed to the delivery of this project. ''
What funds available were reallocated to high-priority works such as restoring roads in regional areas that had been destroyed during the 2022 floods so those residents had connections for freight bringing in vital food stores or materials for repairs to homes.
On November 8 2023 Infrastructure NSW released the updated NSW Major Infrastructure Pipeline and the 2023-2024 State Infrastructure Plan. The 2023-2024 State Infrastructure Plan outlines drivers and market context for the NSW Government’s infrastructure program over the next five years. It provides project specific information to support transparency to industry via the NSW Major Infrastructure Pipeline.
The Mona Vale Road West upgrade project was deferred for two years following this 2023 NSW Independent Strategic Infrastructure Review.
Listed on page 21 of the 2023-2024 State Infrastructure Plan document is the Mona Vale Road West upgrade, McCarrs Creek Road to Powder Works Road which states;
‘Procurement will commence in the final Quarter of 2025 and be completed in the first Quarter of 2026, with Construction of the works to commence in the second Quarter of 2026 and be completed by the second Quarter of 2029 (estimated completion dates).’
The 2024-2025 NSW Budget announced a $5.5 million allocation towards the Mona Vale Road West project, McCarrs Creek Road to Powder Works Road.
A Transport for NSW spokesperson confirmed on Friday June 21 2024:
''The budget allocation for the Mona Vale Road West upgrade is for Transport for NSW to continue finalising the detailed design to support future delivery of the project. ‘’
However, the new MP for Pittwater has wasted no time in trying to accelerate that timeline.
“Since being elected I’ve met with both the Premier and the Minister for Roads, John Graham for Mona Vale Road West to be prioritised. The single lane in each direction doesn’t just cause traffic congestion, it is dangerous and it’s only a matter of time before we have a fatality. The risk is even higher when it comes to bushfire, with Mona Vale Road being the main evacuation route for people in Terrey Hills, Duffys Forest and Ingleside.” Ms Scruby stated last week
“I wanted the Premier to see the mess we have been left with, and to understand the risks. It’s one of our major routes in and out of Pittwater, and it’s simply been abandoned mid-project, with just one narrow lane each way causing significant traffic bottlenecks and making it an accident blackspot.”
“I know the whole community is fed up and wants to see confirmation the project will be completed, it’s my job to fight for it. In the meantime, we at least need to make it safe and reduce environmental risk like sediment runoff.”
Ms Scruby said she was grateful that the Premier had come to visit the site only two weeks after she was sworn in. “I do appreciate the Premier making time to visit the Mona Vale Road site for the first time. It’s a very small step – but it’s in the right direction.”
A review of the broader Manly to Barrenjoey road network is due to be released before the end of the year. However, Ms Scruby said she’s not waiting and is working hard to build a compelling case for the project to get finished, including gathering accident data, applying for further information under freedom of information regulations and submitting questions on notice to the Minister, as well as calling on the community for support by signing a petition – www.jacquiscruby.com.au/finish_mona_vale_rd_petition
Jacqui took the Premier to see the paused MVR West worksite, following their joint visit to local business Shortees at Terrey Hills. Here they met local owners and management, Moe Mathew, Scott Williams, Chris Searle and co-founder Clint Newton of Rugby League fame. Shortees, the iconic ‘day/night’ 18 hole Par 3 golf course in Terrey Hills, is reinventing golf to be trendy, accessible and fun with DJs regularly playing and plans for events in the new year. It’s also sought after as a professional short course where experts flock to hone their game.
The renovated facilities showcase terrific use of community greenspace and makes golf accessible to young and old, from novices to professionals like Australian PGA Tour professional Cam Davis, who learned to play at Shortees. The venue has quickly become a great place to connect with friends or meet new ones via the various events held throughout the year.
“The revamped Shortees is the product of well-known creative locals and it’s no wonder it’s so loved by all ages and abilities. It was a pleasure to meet the team there, hear their vision for the existing site and beyond, and of course tell Chris Minns how Pittwater thinks things should be done - both on and off the golf course.” Ms Scruby said