MEMBER for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams says potential future works needed to improve the Wrights Road/John Oxley Drive roundabout in Port Macquarie will be discussed this week with the Minister for Roads, Duncan Gay.
The roundabout has been the subject of recent discussions by Port Macquarie-Hastings Council as to whether it is meeting current traffic demand as well as future traffic movements.
“At its December meeting, council deferred a decision to rezone land to accommodate a Masters home improvement store on John Oxley Drive, citing potential traffic congestion as the main issue, as well as seeking further discussions with myself and the Roads and Maritime Service,” Mrs Williams said.
“Next week’s meeting will be the second such meeting with the minister on this issue. Last year I arranged a meeting with relevant stakeholders including council, RMS and the current landowner to discuss how this matter can be resolved.
“I have since arranged a further two separate meetings with urban designers and RMS representatives to identify options to improve the long-term traffic flow at the intersection.
“Unfortunately council declined an invitation to attend one of those meetings.
“The advice I have been provided is that partial signalisation of the northern approach to the intersection may extend the life of the roundabout as an interim measure until a more extensive upgrade is warranted closer to 2023.
“I believe this would cater for the growth associated with the expected development of the area including catering for the proposed expansion of Charles Stuart University at Lake Innes and increased residential lots.
“Previous comments by council that the State Government is not working to address this issue are neither accurate nor helpful.
“I am committed to working with council and RMS to achieve not only improved local infrastructure, but also community and economic development for our area.”
