GEORGETOWN LOCAL CENTRE PRIORITISED FOR DELIVERY UNDER LABOR
Newcastle Labor has welcomed the beginning of community consultation for the upgrade of Georgetown Local Centre, following its prioritisation for delivery by Labor Councillors.
Georgetown Local Centre was prioritised by Labor Councillors in July 2021, as a result of strong community feedback and the age and condition of the current streetscape.
Labor’s Ward 3 Candidate Cr Peta Winney-Baartz welcomed the opening of community consultation as an opportunity for locals to help shape the project.
“The Georgetown Local Centre is such a popular high street and the community has told us that it could be even better with an upgrade to the public domain by Council.”
“I was pleased to work with my fellow Labor Councillors to prioritise the delivery of the renewal of Georgetown Local Centre because we know how well used the shopping precinct is by the local community, and that local centre renewals have been so successful in activating public spaces and encouraging local business growth.”
“We’re now looking for locals to tell us what they want to see as a part of the upgrade. It’s got fantastic amenities and a great, central location, close to Waratah Park and Waratah Village, with great public transport connectivity.
“But it is tired and in need of work to renew and beautify the area, with updated and accessible footpaths, road renewals and parking upgrades, new street furniture and lighting as well as looking at pedestrian safety and cycling connectivity.”
“Some of the traffic and pedestrian connections throughout the local centre need improvement, and with a comprehensive plan, guided by the local community, we can get a fantastic outcome at Georgetown Local Centre.”
Newcastle Labor’s campaign spokesperson Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said that Labor had a strong track-record of delivery when it came to local centre upgrades.
“Labor's popular Local Centres Program was first initiated by Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and the results speak for themselves.”
“We’ve seen almost $20 million of infrastructure renewal for high street shopping precincts in Beresfield, Carrington, Kotara, Merewether, Wallsend and Hamilton while construction is underway at Stockton and Shortland, and the detailed design for Blackbutt Village is almost complete.”
“Labor has also recently ensured that Maitland Road at Mayfield, and Brunker Road at Adamstown are the next projects to proceed to planning, with delivery to follow community consultation and detailed design.”
“John Church and the Newcastle Independents Party have no vision, and no plan when it comes to urban renewal across our suburban local centres,” said the Deputy Lord Mayor.
“In fact, they voted against Beresfield and Shortland main street upgrades, so they simply cannot be trusted to deliver the infrastructure our community needs.”