THE issue of constructing a flyover at the Myall Way intersection has sparked political debate between local candidates for the seat of Port Stephens.
In a recent radio interview, ambulance officer and Labor candidate for Port Stephens, Jim Arneman, commented on the Myall Way intersection, reportedly saying, "for people to say that's a blackspot is clearly not supported by the facts."
After hearing of this recent statement, Liberal candidate for Port Stephens, Craig Baumann, was quick to respond.
"I was absolutely horrified that a Labor candidate supports the current state of the Pacific Highway, given the outrageous construction of the Myall Way intersection, which does not incorporate a flyover," Mr Baumann said.
"This intersection is a death-trap waiting to happen and I am stunned that as a local resident, Labor's candidate could be so out of touch on how bad this newly constructed intersection is.
"This is about preventing any future accidents," he said.
Mr Arneman explained that the radio ad in question is about a proposal for the Tea Gardens flyover.
"Peter Debnam, the Member for Vaucluse, can't be trusted to deliver the fly-over and this ad is simply misleading local working families.
"The Member for Vaucluse is promising everything to everyone.
"He's already committed $28 billion in unfunded promises and won't tell anyone how he'll pay for them," Mr Arneman said.
He went on to say that he would not make promises he could not keep during the campaign.
"I give local working families one guarantee - any election commitment I make I'll deliver," he said.
Mr Baumann explained that a flyover for the Myall Way intersection was incorporated in the original plans, but when it came to construction the flyover was left out.
"The State Government won't build it for another 10 to 15 years.
"This is one of the most pressing road issues along the Pacific Highway and the State Government has got to wake up and take notice before we see a fatality at this corner.
"The population of Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens warrants a flyover, particularly during holiday periods when vehicle traffic increases.
"If Labor won't build a flyover, then the Liberals/Nationals Coalition will if we win government," he said.
Mr Arneman believes that instead of making "wild promises", Liberals should be sourcing the funding needed to make the entire Pacific Highway a dual carriageway.
"The State Government has invested $1.6 billion into upgrading the Pacific Highway while the Federal Government has contributed just $660 million," he said.
The NRMA's Pacific Highway Route Performance Report, released in November 2006, shows there were 229 crashes, 20 fatalities and 200 injuries on the Pacific Highway between Karuah and Bulahdelah in the three years from January 2003 to December 2005.
As the Pacific Highway upgrade progresses, more b-double trucks are using the route. According to RTA figures, since the Yelgun-Chinderah bypass was opened, the number of b-double trucks through Nabiac has increased from 50 to 200 each day.
Mr Baumann said he would not stand by and wait for an accident to happen at this intersection.
"I demand the State Government take action on this issue immediately," he said.
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