$50 Million Investment in the Future of Wallsend

City of Newcastle will invest more than $50 million into Wallsend over the next five years as part of a long-term vision to upgrade roads, reduce flood risks, and create safer, more connected active transport links.

The multi-year program includes road upgrades, widening Minmi Road, flood mitigation measures, new footpaths, and improved public spaces. The first stage of the Minmi Road Western Corridor widening project starts this week with the installation of a single-lane roundabout at the intersection of Newcastle Road and Cowper Street. This will improve traffic flow during peak periods, ease congestion, reduce bottlenecks, and increase safety for all road users.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes emphasised the importance of these projects for the growing western suburbs. “We are committed to delivering projects that benefit the community now and pave the way for future progress as our city continues to grow,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Newcastle’s western suburbs have seen significant population increases over the past decade, with the Maryland, Fletcher, and Minmi area growing by around 46 per cent, and Wallsend and Shortland rising by more than 20 per cent since the 2011 Census. Our long-term plans for Wallsend recognise the needs of this booming population centre and reinforce our commitment to maintaining and enhancing essential community infrastructure.”

The dual-lane road upgrades at Minmi Road and Longworth Avenue are in the detailed design phase, with works planned to commence next year. To improve traffic flow during construction, a series of associated traffic changes are planned, with Councillors set to vote on the outcomes at Tuesday’s Council meeting.

Other highlights of the five-year program include bridge renewal projects at Boscawen, Cowper, and Nelson streets to help reduce the risk of flooding in the Wallsend CBD. This will be complemented by the ongoing rehabilitation of Ironbark Creek to ensure the waterway and floodplain behave more predictably during major flood and rain events.

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150 Years of Wallsend

This investment comes at a significant time for Wallsend as the suburb prepares to celebrate its 150th anniversary. Founded in the late 19th century, Wallsend began as a coal mining town and has grown into a vibrant community known for its historical charm and strong community spirit. The upcoming celebrations will honour Wallsend’s rich history and its journey from a mining town to a thriving suburban hub.

Additional Commentary from Dr. Ross Kerridge, Candidate for Lord Mayor from “Our Newcaste”

Dr. Ross Kerridge, candidate for Lord Mayor from the independent “Our Newcastle” party, has welcomed Lord Mayor Nelmes’ attention to the city’s western suburbs but holds concerns about the delivery of the project.

“Lord Mayor Nelmes announced the duplication of Minmi Road prior to the last election, and the citizens of Wallsend, Fletcher, Maryland, and Minmi have seen increases in traffic but no shovels in the ground,” Dr. Kerridge stated. “In 2021, the Lord Mayor announced a $26 million package to commence the works and shortly after received a $7.6 million grant from the NSW Government. In the almost three years since, there have been lots of words but no action.”

Dr. Kerridge also highlighted the long-awaited Wallsend Town Centre upgrades. “The Lord Mayor has been spruiking these essential infrastructure works since 2015, with numerous re-announcements but absolutely nothing to show for it.”, Newy 87.8 FM notes that the Road Resurfacing has been completed so upgrades are underway.

He emphasised that important infrastructure upgrades should not be used as political footballs. “The citizens, ratepayers, and small businesses of Wallsend, Fletcher, Maryland, and Minmi deserve better than announcement after announcement for the upgrades that they need in their suburbs. There is a seriously concerning pattern around this council to announce flashy projects and then delay their actual delivery, particularly when it comes to the western suburbs of our city. Our western suburbs are every bit as important as the east and deserve better than they’ve been getting under the Nelmes administration.”

Dr. Kerridge pledged to prioritise these projects if elected Lord Mayor. “If I’m elected Lord Mayor, Minmi Road duplication will be given priority, as will the Wallsend Town Centre Upgrades. An announcement will be more than just words.”

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