FAQs
What is a Review of Environmental Factors (REF)?
The REF is the planning approval document for the project and is a requirement under Part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
The REF has been prepared to examine and take into account all matters affecting or likely to affect the environment as a result of the proposed activities associated with the upgrade of approximately 2.9 km of Wollombi Road in Bellbird, Bellbird Heights and Cessnock (Stage 1).
The REF for Stage 2 will be exhibited once we have secured funding for construction.
What is some background information on this project?
Cessnock City Council has commenced the design and planning stage for the upgrade of Wollombi Road to improve capacity, safety and ease traffic congestion.
The primary goal of the project is to allow for current and forecasted traffic growth and to ease congestion. This upgrade will deliver high-quality, strategic infrastructure to support the growth of the local community.
Stage 1 of the project includes a 2.9km upgrade of Wollombi Road between Abbotsford Street, Bellbird and West Avenue, and includes Early Works to build a new intersection at Bellbird North. Stage 1 is funded through a combination of funds from the NSW Accelerated Infrastructure Fund and development contributions.
Stage 2 of the project includes a 1km upgrade of Wollombi Road between West Avenue and Vincent Street, Cessnock. Stage 2 is currently not funded, however grant funding is actively being pursued.
What community engagement has taken place so far on this project?
A program of early community and stakeholder engagement commenced in July 2023. This meant that Council could gather community feedback to inform the design and planning of the road upgrade. Through a series of community engagement activities and events, Council was also able to raise awareness about the project and the need to cater for growth in the LGA.
You can find a summary of our engagement activities to date, and how feedback has been addressed in arriving at the preferred design has been addressed in the Wollombi Road Design Options Report.