Despite a promise from Port Macquarie-Hastings Council (PMHC) to concentrate on much needed repairs on our flailing road system, some residents are saying it’s simply not good enough.
Resident Kevin Jubelin has a beef with council over the “dangerous” state of Park Street in Port Macquarie.
Up in arms, Mr Jubelin contacted the Independent to highlight the problem.
“I am well aware that bad road condition and extreme weather condition play their part, but why are dangerous potholes on a bend in Park Street, a high traffic location left unattended for some four weeks and counting?” he said.
“Everyone is well aware and disgusted council has not fixed it or placed warning signs.
“Who will be first to die here?
“Will it be a cyclist, motorcyclist or motorist?”
Kevin Piddick has described the state of the roads at the eastern end of Ackroyd Street at the corner of Hollingsworth Streey as “same council shame”.
“[This stretch of road] approximately 400 metres from the main street has historically been in poor condition however, [allegedly] under the PMHC’s … watch it is now in abysmal condition as the attached photos clearly show.”
Roger Cattell, a local taxi driver, said although some “quick fix” works had been done on the road to the airport, he wondered if it would always take a “close call” before action would be taken.
Mr Cattell had made it known that he saw a car trying to dodge an “enormous” pothole on Tuffins Lane, which failed.
As a result the driver almost crashed and sustained a flat tyre, he said.
“Council has done some repairs but why does it take so long?” he questioned.
“Not only that, but this is the gateway to Port. When I pick visitors up they ask what kind of picture our council wants to portray of the area – not this way that’s for sure.”
In response council has said its commitment to “back to basics’ roadworks program continues as part of the region’s Rural Grading Program.
Group Manager Infrastructure Operations Gary Randall said the structured grading project was continuing with resources concentrated on managing the condition of more than 1300 kilometres of sealed and unsealed roads throughout the region.
“Around 60 council employees have been working full time on road maintenance, construction and road side slashing,” Mr Randall said.
“We have ensured that the available manpower is being used efficiently by developing a priority list with more emphasis on high traffic roads.
“Works are prioritised based on risk and public safety.”
In response to road maintenance issues on Ackroyd Street Mr Randall said, “Council has received numerous customer requests associated with road maintenance and repairs on Ackroyd Street, situated between Gore and Hollingworth Streets.
“Remediation works to repair potholes on this street were completed in the week of March 26,” he said.
“Council is aware that some damage remains in Ackroyd Street, west of Gore Street, and we will be treating this damage in accordance with its relative priority in coming weeks.
“Council’s commitment to “back to basics’ roadworks program continued recently with resources allocated to Lorne Road, Ryans Road, The Ruins Way and Maria River Road.”
