30 January 2015

Community feedback is sought on the Review of Environmental Factors for the M1 Pacific Motorway upgrade between the Kariong and Somersby interchanges.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said local residents are being given the opportunity to have their say on the proposed project.

“The Australian and New South Wales Governments have each provided $1.6 million this year to continue planning the upgrade to improve both safety and travel times for motorists as part of the M1 Pacific Motorway Productivity Package,” Mr Truss said.

“The proposed upgrade involves widening an 8km section of the motorway between the Kariong and Somersby interchanges to provide three lanes in each direction and upgrade three of the four ramps at the Kariong interchange.

“The consultation process is an important part of the planning process, ensuring community voices are heard to inform transparent decision making.”

Federal Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks said the consultation process was an important step in the planning process to ensure all community voices were heard, leading to transparent and informed decision making.

“The review considered visual impacts, construction and operational noise, biodiversity and waste management,” Mrs Wicks said.

“I’m keen to hear from Central Coast motorists who use this stretch of the M1, and also local residents in Kariong and Somersby, so they’re aware of this local infrastructure upgrade.”

New South Wales Minister for Roads and Freight Duncan Gay said the review found that, with the application of a range of mitigation activities, the proposal would not significantly affect the environment or the community.

“Community feedback on the review will be used to finalise the project concept design and Review of Environmental Factors,” Mr Gay said.

Other projects in the M1 Productivity Package include widening between Tuggerah and Doyalson and an upgrade to the Weakleys Drive intersection at Beresfield.

All projects in the M1 Productivity Package are expected commence by 2017 and be completed in 2019. Community members will be kept informed as planning progresses.”

Comments on the Kariong to Somersby review can be submitted online at www.rms.nsw.gov.au, via email at Central.Coast.Office@rms.nsw.gov.au or by writing to the NSW Roads and Maritime Services Project Manager, PO Box 766, Woy Woy, NSW, 2256.

All comments are due no later than Friday 27 February 2015.

Media Contacts
For Mr Truss: Brett Heffernan 0467 650 020
For Mr Gay: Marie Scoutas 0467 739 976
For Ms Wicks: Tim Sowden 0422 993 373

View the original media release