Council Backs Plan for Myall Road Redevelopment Despite Opposition from Local Groups

Strategic Insights -

The Lake Macquarie City Council has unanimously supported the plan to redevelop Myall Road, a move that has raised concerns from local soccer clubs and residents. The plan includes the installation of traffic lights at the intersection of Myall Road and Gymea Drive, which would lead to motorists being unable to turn right in and out of Lance Yorke Oval, the home of the Garden Suburb Football Club, and Reserved Road, a primary access point for the Hunter Bible Church. Proponents of the plan argue that safety is the top priority, while opponents fear it will lead to frustrated motorists attempting U-turns in residential streets.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Lake Macquarie City Council has unanimously supported the plan to redevelop Myall Road, which includes the installation of traffic lights at the intersection of Myall Road and Gymea Drive.
  • The plan will prevent motorists from turning right in and out of Lance Yorke Oval, the home of the Garden Suburb Football Club, and Reserved Road, a primary access point for the Hunter Bible Church.
  • Concerns have been raised by soccer club president Leonard Allen and parishioner Dave Moore, who fear that motorists will attempt U-turns in residential streets, potentially causing safety hazards.
  • North ward Liberal councillor Jack Antcliff supported the plan, citing safety as the top priority and stating that driving an extra three minutes to avoid potential safety hazards was a reasonable trade-off.
  • The Garden Suburb Football Club will continue to "try and push for change" but is unsure what avenues are available to them.
  • The council's manager of assets, Dayne Harris, has explored the possibility of installing U-turn zones but found that there is not enough space to do so.
  • The installation of a U-turn at Lance Yorke Oval would result in the soccer club losing five to six car parking spaces.

Statistics:

  • 105 housing units will be included in the Landcom housing estate.
  • The project will include traffic lights at the intersection of Myall Road and Gymea Drive.
  • Council inspections were held onsite at Myall Road on September 4, where councillors met with local residents and business leaders.
  • The Garden Suburb Football Club has been in operation for an unknown period and serves a tight catchment area.

Sources:

  • The Newcastle Herald
  • Lake Macquarie City Council meeting minutes (no specific date given, but mentioned as part of the meeting which included the council inspection on September 4)