THE FIGHT to relocate Griffith's congestion-choked freight terminal has reignited with mounting concerns for the public’s health and worsening condition of the city’s roads.
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Griffith City Council and the Business Chamber have lobbied to relocate Patrick Portlink from the CBD for a number of years, believing it will see an end to the noise and dust issues caused by the high volume of trucks and trains rumbling through Griffith.
Councillor Paul Snaidero renewed calls for the terminal to relocate to either the Wumbulgal freight hub or the soon to be developed Widgelli hub during Tuesday’s council meeting .
“We need to get Patrick’s into one of the freight hubs, there is a concern for resident’s health with all the noise and dust particularly for the regions asthma sufferers,” Cr Snaidero said.
“We need to get council to put pressure on the state government and get these containers off our roads.”
Last year council passed the Widgelli Rail Hub development application, with it’s implementation predicted to significantly reduce the number of trucks on Banna Avenue and the number of trains running through the middle of the city.
However with construction of the project at a standstill, Cr Snaidero has asked the manager of tourism and economic development Greg Lawrence to provide a report into the status of the Widgelli Rail Hub.
Regional Connect is in charge of construction.
The company’s chief operating officer Cameron Jackson could not comment on when the project is likely to commence.
Cr Snaidero also called on council to contact Duncan Gay, the Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight, to put the pressure on the state government to get Patrick’s to relocate to one of the nearby freight hubs.
Mr Stonestreet confirmed council will contact the minister’s office on behalf on council and hopes the renewed call acts as a subtle reminder to Patrick’s to make a decision on relocating to either the Widgelli hub, once developed, or the freight hub at Wumbulgal.
“There needs to be a long term sustainable strategy for our growing region and for Patrick’s to expand,” Mr Stonestreet.
“Council would like to see the state government provide a significant grant and funding to assist Patrick’s relocate out of town.”
Patrick Portlink was contacted but unavailable for comment.
