Survey: Highway is top priority
A NEW survey has confirmed the Pacific Highway is clearly the number one infrastructure priority for North Coast residents.
Member for Cowper Luke Hartsuyker said more than 4,100 residents responded to his community survey which was posted to every household in the electorate earlier this year.
"Seventy-six per cent of responses made the Pacific Highway upgrade the number one infrastructure priority, with local roads a clear second with 11 %," Mr Hartsuyker said.
"Only 2% nominated the National Broadband Network the top priority, just ahead of cycle ways which only received the support of 1% of responses.
"This provides a very clear perspective of where government funds should be targeted."
Mr Hartsuyker said residents also sent a clear message on how they wanted the funding spent on the highway.
"Eighty five per cent of residents declared that Pacific Highway funding should be focussed on areas which have the worst accident record.
"This supports my push for the Warrell Creek to Urunga to be the next project to receive highway funding.
"More than 25 people have been killed and many others injured in recent years on this section of road. It is the biggest blackspot on the highway and should be upgraded without any further unnecessary delays.
"Currently there is $1.3 billion worth of highway upgrades occurring in the Cowper electorate but there is obviously a lot more to be done.
