The Port Macquarie-Hastings Council said it is facing an ongoing challenge to repair and maintain local roads damaged as a result of the inclement weather that continues to batter the region.
Council staff worked throughout last weekend to repair roads and pavements on the highest traffic roads and works have continued this with week with primarily pothole repairs being completed.
Infrastructure Operations Manager Gary Randall said Council was undertaking assessment and inspections of the damage to local roads and pavements, prioritising repairs based on risk and public safety and the area’s road maintenance hierarchy.
“Council appreciates the public bringing to our attention areas of road that have failed as a result of the recent wet weather and thanks the community for their patience in effecting these essential repairs,” Mr Randall said.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council roads maintenance hierarchy includes all 1400 roads within the local government area and ranks these roads in priority order based on traffic volumes, speed limits and community importance.
“The highest priority roads within the hierarchy include, Ocean Drive, Hastings River Drive, Lake Road, Bago Road, Housten Mitchell Dve and Pacific Dve,” he said.
Mr Randall said Council’s existing roads maintenance budgets were not supplemented following rain unless a Natural Disaster Declaration is made for our area, where additional funds would then made available via the Roads and Traffic Authority.
“Council does make allowance for wet weather events in our annual operating budgets however during periods of frequent extreme wet weather, as is currently the case, these funding allocations are limited.”
