Port Stephens Council is stepping up its commitment to improving local roads, with plans to boost its recently announced Roads Acceleration Program (RAP) by an additional $9 million over the next three years.
The 3 year RAP, first announced earlier this year, represents a record $20 million investment in road repairs and upgrades across Port Stephens. It is jointly funded by Council's annual budgets, the Special Rate Variation, and State and Federal Government grants.
Mayor Leah Anderson said Council remains focused on tackling the growing backlog of roadworks caused by years of limited funding, rising construction costs, and repeated damage from severe weather events.
"Even with this historic level of funding, we know more needs to be done," Mayor Anderson said.
"That's why we're exploring every available option to fix our local road network," Mayor Anderson added.
At last night's Council meeting, Councillors unanimously resolved to draw on the Natural Disaster Reserve and begin the process of selling underutilised or surplus Council-owned land to fund the additional $9 million investment.
"Our Natural Disaster Reserve was created through Council-led property development to support the community in the wake of natural disasters," Mayor Anderson said.
"We know our road network has been significantly impacted, and using this reserve to boost our current roads program is a logical next step.
"We've also identified a number of land parcels that are either not in use or no longer required by Council.
"We'll now begin the legislative process required to sell these properties, with all proceeds reinvested into our Roads Acceleration Program.
"We've heard loud and clear that better roads are a top priority for our community, and we've worked hard to find ways to boost funding for this program without placing additional pressure on ratepayers," Mayor Anderson added.
The additional funding will support the rehabilitation of roads in areas identified by our elected representatives. They've also been prioritised based on condition, use, and community feedback. Roads scheduled for upgrade in 2025/26 include:
- Irrawang Street, Raymond Terrace. Kangaroo Street to Mount Hall Road.
- Beaton Avenue, Raymond Terrace. From No. 61 to No. 43.
- Corrie Parade, Corlette. From Drungall Avenue to No.19.
- Drungall Avenue, Corlette. From Sandy Point Road to Corrie Parade.
- Sandy Point Road, Corlette. From Corlette Point Road to No. 80
- Brocklesby Road, Medowie. From No.1 to No 7.
- Kirrang Drive, Medowie. From Yulong Oval entrance to No.11
- Lemon Tree Passage Road, Salt Ash. From No. 67 to No. 81
Council will also continue to seek further funding opportunities through grants to keep increasing resources for local road improvements.
