MIDCOAST Council has approved a program designed to get the best value from the additional $7.5 million allocated to improving local roads.

In response to community interest in improving local roads, Councillors took the step of prioritising work on our local road network over the coming financial year.

Sections of roads that will receive attention under the $7.5 million program include several roads in North Arm Cove, Mermaid Avenue in Hawks Nest, Booral Road in Bulahdelah, Willina Road in Coolongolook and Myall Street in Tea Gardens.

Mayor Claire Pontin said, “We considered it important to make an investment in our local road network, which does not attract funding through State or Federal Government grants.

“We want to make the best use of the funds we’re investing.”

“That’s why we’re focusing on roads which typically require repeat maintenance.

“We want to bring these roads up to a condition where the need for repeat maintenance will be minimised.”

Mayor Pontin explained that while the sections of road selected may not be the most damaged ones, they represent a strategic investment.

“It’s important to keep in mind that roads which are significantly deformed have already been prioritised in the annual road works plan.”

The program will primarily target sections of rural roads and improve access to rural areas.

The repairs will involve stabilising the road surface and resealing.