Council has achieved a significant milestone on the Wollombi Road upgrade project with the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) for Stage 1 now placed on public exhibition.
The REF marks a crucial step forward in the project’s progress, reflecting Council’s commitment to transparency, community engagement, and sustainable development. The documents include a Road Design Options Report identifying a preferred design.
Cessnock City Mayor Jay Suvaal said the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) for the Wollombi Road project has been placed on public exhibition for an extended seven-week period ending Friday, 3 May 2024.
“The project team has been working with the community since the middle of last year collecting vital feedback which has played a crucial role in shaping the preferred design, including maximising the available parking,” said Clr Suvaal.
“The extended public exhibition timeframe is designed to provide an even greater opportunity for community members to review the documents, gain an understanding of the project and provide feedback.”
The project team has planned multiple large-scale community information sessions, utilising a blend of digital and in-person formats to accommodate varying preferences and ensure broad accessibility.
“I encourage all residents, businesses, and stakeholders to engage in the public exhibition process and attend the information sessions,” Clr Suvaal added.
“Modelling shows that the Cessnock LGA will almost double in size by 2041. It’s critical that the Wollombi Road upgrade meets the needs of our rapidly growing community and your feedback is invaluable to achieving this outcome.”
The REF incorporates a summary of the engagement activities undertaken thus far, providing insights into how community feedback has been integrated into the preferred design.
The REF documents can be accessed online on Council’s Together Cessnock website here, as well as in person at Council’s Administration Building or Cessnock City Libraries.
