TOURISM operators along Hermitage Road at Pokolbin were smiling yesterday following the announcement that $16.7 million of Resources for Regions funding will be spent on upgrading the road, including the construction of a cycleway from its intersection with the Hunter Expressway to Broke Road.
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The project, a joint enterprise between Singleton and Cessnock councils, will also include work on the intersection of the Hermitage and Broke roads, installation of tourist facilities, lighting, safety measures and more signage.
In addition to the state government funding, Singleton Council has committed a further $100,000 and Cessnock $300,000 in extra monies to the project.
With the funding now confirmed, the councils can start work on arranging for detailed design and engineering plans for eventual public comment.
Hunter Valley Resort, general manager Philip Hele said since the opening of the Hunter Expressway in March last year there had been a noticeable increase in tourist traffic along Hermitage Road.
“It’s the quickest and easiest route to the vineyards and this is particular so for tourist buses which now come from Sydney to the vineyards via Hermitage Road,” he said.
“The other great news is this part of Pokolbin is now only 48 minutes from Newcastle Airport, which is great for interstate and international visitors.”
A highlight of the package for many of the businesses along the road was the fact that the cycleway would be the first in the region.
“Our 40 businesses on Hermitage Road will be the first to offer bike tourism – it is a fast growing and very popular form of tourism so the construction of the cycleway is wonderful news,” Mr Hele said.
Retiring member for Upper Hunter George Souris said his government had invested $40 million in the Singleton district area alone through the Resources for Regions program.
The program is designed to fund infrastructure in mine-affected local government areas of the state.
Singleton Council general manager Lindy Hyam said Hermitage Road was a vital transport link between Broke Road and the Hunter Expressway.
“It provides access for residents, workers and visitors between Singleton and Cessnock and is a key location for tourism and accommodation providers contributing to Hunter Valley Wine Country,” she said.
“The regional importance of Hermitage Road has increased significantly since the opening of the Hunter Expressway and it is now a gateway to the wine tourism region from the north and south.
“The tourism industry is vital for diversification and providing important investment and employment opportunities in Singleton and Cessnock.
“There are nine million visitors to the Hunter each year spending $2.2 billion and this is only set to grow, particularly with new facilities such as the convention centre at Crowne Plaza opening.
“Providing adequate road and cycleway infrastructure will support growth in visitor numbers across the region and put our region on par with the famous wine country regions of France.
“Our local winemakers have been seeking improved directional and wayfinding signage for a long time and the rest areas will better cater for coaches and RVs coming both north and south.”
Ms Hyam said the Broke and Hermitage roads particularly are utilised by mining-related traffic to access the many mines in the region.
“This creates great stress on road infrastructure, degrading it at an accelerated rate,” she said.
“The existing state of road infrastructure in the region has a negative impact on the visitor experience.
“This project will improve access and safety for cars and bicycles and lift the local amenity to ensure the region is able to meet the future demands of the industry.”