Port-Macquarie Hastings Council has produced preliminary concept plans for a proposed upgrade of Ocean Drive between Miala Street and Ernest Street in Lake Cathie.

Community members are being encouraged to have their say on the plans, and to give advice on which section of the road should be upgraded first. 

Lake Cathie resident Claire Briggs said while she welcomes the move by council to upgrade Ocean Drive, the plan for ‘a four lane highway is not what was requested, nor what is required for our coastal village’.

Petitions have been left at various businesses in Lake Cathie and residents will also be gathering signatures before the end of the consultation period on September 28. 

Mrs Briggs and other residents believe council have buried their intention to build a four-lane highway, under the guise of asking residents to choose which section of the road should be upgraded first. 

“The future starts tomorrow,” she said.

“Once you agree to the plans, council have your approval to put a four lane highway through Lake Cathie village.”

Residents, Mrs Briggs said are concerned about safety issues associated with any future four lane road. 

“It will only encourage speeding and endanger all road users and village residents,” she said. 

Miala Street resident Bianca Hill said four lanes will encourage speeding and reckless driving through the village.

“According to the Roads and Maritime Services, speeding is the most common contributing factor to road fatalities in NSW, she said.

“We really don’t want that to happen here.”

Mrs Briggs said Ocean Drive should remain as a recognised tourist drive, not a racetrack.

“Our village brings tourists and therefore income to the whole region,” she said. 

“Our beautiful lake and estuary is popular for swimming, kayaking, and fishing.

“Yet council want everyone to drive through at speed past Lake Cathie’s main assets.”

Residents also questioned the need for lane duplication, as the upgrade to Houston Mitchell Drive has already created a link to the highway.

Bonny Hills resident Sarah Jones travels to Port Macquarie via Houston Mitchell Drive and the Pacific Highway.

“It makes no sense to travel through the villages when a faster, easier alternative exists,” she said. 

• Four lanes will encourage speeding and reckless driving through the village reducing the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, residents, local traffic and tourist traffic.

• Four lanes will drastically change the relaxed coastal village feel that Lake Cathie is known for, and cut the village in two

• By making Ocean Drive a 2.5km clearway, will reduce the amenity for residents and road users – there will be no safe area for delivery drivers and motorists to pull over, or for parking

• Four lanes will create bottlenecks at Miala Street and Ernest Street when the road reverts back to two lanes.

For more information, to view the Ocean Drive plan and give feedback please visit haveyoursay.pmhc.nsw.gov.au