PORT Stephens Council has approved a motion that will see up to $9 million made available for the improvement of roads across the local government area (LGA).
The motion was introduced at the most recent council meeting on Tuesday 10 June by Port Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson.
Reading from a prepared report on the matter, Mayor Anderson said, “Port Stephens Council manages a network of more than 800km of roads.
“In recent years, the impacts of ongoing weather events have significantly impacted the condition of many of our roads – particularly those built on ageing and vulnerable infrastructure.”
The report acknowledges that roads have already been established as a priority concern for Port Stephens as it was following community feedback in November 2024 that the Roads Acceleration Program was established.
This initiative directed $10 million in government grants and $7.1 million from the 2023 Special Rate Variation to road improvements.
“However, even with this record level of funding secured, we recognise that more investment is needed to bring the Port Stephens road network to a manageable standard.”
The motion outlines a plan to direct a further $3 million from the natural disaster reserve along with funds generated from the prior sale of surplus land and the intended sale of unused land.
Referring to the motion as “one of the most important things we’ve got going on right now”, Cr Chris Doohan thanked Council staff for the creation of the plan.
“There’s a tonne of work that’s gone into this, in the background, in identifying these places.”
He also clarified that the reason Central Ward works will commence in Medowie before moving to Salt Ash, is because equipment is already engaged in projects in the area.
Cr Mark Watson shared a similar point with regard to the Central Ward works commencing in Corlette.
Cr Giacomo Arnott said that councillors had “inherited a road network that was historically underfunded, had not been cared for properly for decades, and which was in dire need of a significant funding boost.
“People deserve to get to and from home safely, it’s as simple as that.”
In her closing remarks, Cr Anderson warned that despite the historic level of funding of approximately $39 million, “it’s not going to fix all our roads.”
Acknowledging the potential for community concerns over decisions to prioritise certain roads above others, as well as disagreement over the closure and sale of land as part of the scheme, she called for patience and understanding.
“I ask the community to consider the big picture here and that we have to make some serious decisions sometimes as councillors to do the right thing for our community.
“And making more roads safer for our community is exactly the right thing for our community.”
By Lindsay HALL
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