State Member for Wallsend, Ms Sonia Hornery MP, has called on Newcastle City Council to explain how they can afford to spend money on upgrades for the Super Car race but cannot afford to help Wallsend residents and businesses.
Last night Newcastle Council voted to approve $8.8 million in capital works around the east end of Newcastle.
For almost 10 years, Ms Hornery has been calling on Council to fund the necessary capital works in Wallsend to help prevent major flooding every time there is significant rainfall.
Quotes attributable to Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery
“It has been almost 10 years since the Pasha Bulker Storm and two years since the April Superstorm but we haven’t seen any money spent on infrastructure in Wallsend to prevent flooding.”
“It’s all well and good to say that these projects were budgeted for in the next few years or well overdue, but for 10 years we have been waiting and still nothing.”
“The last time I met with Council to discuss the work that is needed, they told me they didn’t have the money and asked me to pursue a grant from the State Government, but now they can suddenly find $8.8 million.”
“In August last year, Council voted to start planning for the replacement of the bridges in Wallsend as part of their plans for flood mitigation.”
“This decision is beyond the pale, enough is enough, Council needs to get its priorities right.”
“Every time there is significant rainfall, residents and businesses worry that they will be impacted again by flooding.”
“The money would have been better spent finishing the works in Wallsend, but once again the western suburbs have lost out.”