A REPORT updating Port Macquarie-Hastings Council's progress on multi-million improvement works to Lorne Road and Maria River Road will be tabled at the July 15 council meeting.
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The report from acting general manager Jeffery Sharp is expected to outline the latest on designs for the sealing of Lorne Road and a broad timelines for this project. It will also seek to confirm the status of government funding for both projects.
Timelines around the funding for and the subsequent commencement of works for the upgrade to Maria River Road will also be shared.
The request for information on both major road projects put forward by mayor Peta Pinson on June 17 was supported by all councillors.
Council has allocated $120,000 toward investigations and concept designs for the Lorne Road sealing in its 2020-2021 operational plan budget.
On top of that is a $5 million election commitment boost for the road between Kew and Comboyne. Initial estimates to seal and improve the road indicated the cost could be upwards of $20 million.
Cr Pinson said recent discussions with members of the North Shore Progress Association has continued to highlight the serious safety concerns residents have about the condition of Maria River Road.
She added Lorne Road is a "thoroughfare" to the Pacific Highway and a passageway for agriculture and the dairying industry.
"Both of these roads have had promises of funding from the state and federal governments and there are some questions on timelines coming from the State Member for Oxley, Minister Melinda Pavey given she has great interest in seeing Maria River Road sealed," Cr Pinson said.
In 2019, $17 million was locked in for a major upgrade and sealing of Maria River Road under a NSW government election commitment.
Maria River Road is the popular but dangerous link road between Port Macquarie's North Shore and Crescent Head.
In February this year, the Port News asked Port Macquarie-Hastings and Kempsey Shire Councils about a commencement date for works, a timeline for the project, impact on residents during the project and funding.
The Port News was told that their joint funding application for Maria River Road was still being assessed under the NSW Government Fixing Local Roads program.
Kempsey Shire Council's director of operations and planning, Robert Fish, said they were "anticipating confirmation of the funding in coming months".
Meanwhile a review of environmental factors (REF) for the sealing of Point Plomer Road is now open for community comment and feedback.
The project is identified as a priority in Kempsey Shire Council's 2017-21 Delivery Program as part of improvements to the local transport network.
After extensive consideration of the issue, Kempsey Shire Council resolved in October 2018 to seal two gravel sections of Point Plomer Road to the north of Big Hill, totalling 6.2km in length.
The NSW Government has approved a grant for $2.88 million under the Regional Growth - Environment and Tourism Fund for the sealing works.
To view the draft documents on Kempsey Shire Council's website visit www.kempsey.nsw.gov.au/publicexhibition. Submissions close on Thursday, July 30.
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Tracey Fairhurst
The Port News has been at the heart of its community for more than 135 years. Your stories matter to us and so does local journalism. If you have a story to share, email tracey.fairhurst@austcommunitymedia.com.au
The Port News has been at the heart of its community for more than 135 years. Your stories matter to us and so does local journalism. If you have a story to share, email tracey.fairhurst@austcommunitymedia.com.au
