By NIKKI TODD
NATIONALS candidate Matthew Fraser has pledged $3.3 million to upgrade the western section of Kennedy Drive should he win office at the upcoming federal poll.
Flanked by Nationals Senator for NSW Fiona Nash, Mr Fraser made the promise on Monday at a busy section of the notorious road – known as the “goat track’’ by locals.
“This will see phase one, from the Pacific Highway to Gray Street, fully completed,’’ Mr Fraser said.
“This just shows the Nationals are all about delivering for communities. As we know, Kennedy Drive is a bone of contention for this area – through our surveys it came up repeatedly.
“I’m not worrying about who is responsible for this road – federal, state or local – I am just worried about getting it done.’’
No stranger to Kennedy Drive, Mr Fraser used to travel the road several times a day between home and work before moving from Bilambil to Banora Point.
“I’ve experienced this road many, many times, up to four times a day for a number of years, so I understand personally how bad this road really is – dodging potholes and bumps,” Mr Fraser said.
“This is about delivering what people want and what they want is the goat track of Kennedy Drive fixed.
“If I am elected into government this will be my first point of order.’’
Mr Fraser is in a battle to unseat Labor MP Justine Elliot who holds the electorate of Richmond – which stretches from the Queensland border to Byron Bay – with a comfortable seven per cent margin.
Ms Nash said the $3.3 million funds for Kennedy Drive would be delivered as part of the Coalition’s first budget, should it win office on 7 September.
“Fixing Kennedy Drive is high on Matthew’s list of priorities for the people of the Richmond electorate and I know he is committed to seeing this project to fruition if he’s elected as the local member,” she said.
“It is complemented by our Road Safety policy involving greater investment in roads, targeted training to learner drivers and parents, closer co-operation with state and territory governments, and undertaking a major study into road trauma.’’
Mr Fraser said he would also fight to secure funding to complete phase two of the project, the area around Piggabeen Road, during his first term of office.
Describing Kennedy Drive as topping his roads agenda, other issues of concern for Mr Fraser included addressing the cost of living and jobs growth.
The Nationals’ commitment follows a report tabled by Tweed Shire Council in July which showed council was not planning to undertake any further upgrades to Kennedy Drive until 2016-’17, when $1 million had been allocated to reconstruct part of the western side of the road.
The full $7.96 million upgrade of Kennedy Drive West was deferred in 2010 to make way for the Kirkwood Road interchange which is currently under construction.
