COMMENT is being sought on proposed upgrades to three roads in Dunbogan to help improve local flood and evacuation access.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is proposing to upgrade Reid Street from Dunbogan Bridge to The Boulevarde, The Boulevarde from Reid Street to The Tip Gravel Road and The Tip Gravel Road from The Boulevarde intersection east for a distance of 833 metres.
While Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has previously sought community input on the proposals, the Federal Government has asked that the proposed road upgrades be exhibited as part of the process of seeking approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act, which is required to assess the impact of the proposals on threatened species and their habitat.
A range of proposed measures will mitigate the impact of The Tip Gravel Road upgrade including koala proof fencing, fauna underpasses and the provision of a koala habitat offset.
The proposed upgrades would involve raising the three roads to remove low points and to provide a constant grade to higher ground.
Tip Gravel Road would become a sealed road. Work would commence once the project has been approved and the necessary funding obtained.
The Dunbogan area becomes inundated during relatively minor flood events (less than a five year average recurrence interval) and council’s Camden Haven Flood Management Risk Plan 2004 identified the need to improve flood and evacuation access to and from Dunbogan.
It has been estimated that about 175 residential dwellings in the Dunbogan area would benefit from the proposed action by providing a marginal increase in flood immunity.
Preliminary documentation relating to the proposed development is on display until 13 October.
It can be viewed at the council offices in Port Macquarie or Laurieton or online at www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/onexhibition
