WHILE Foreshore Drive is a key focus for Council, as the rebuild continues after the devastating severe rain event in March, this is only one of many areas that needs addressing.

Other priorities include repairing damage caused by landslips, pumping water, and patching potholes across the region.

Port Stephens Assets Section Manager John Maretich told News Of The Area, “As a result of the natural disaster, there are more than 200 projects that need to be approved, prioritised and fixed.

“We are working with natural disaster funding agencies, as are many councils, to prioritise these projects and seek approvals.

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“We are currently reviewing the Anna Bay Flood Study in accordance with NSW Government best practice.

“We will consider the need for additional pumps through this process.”

Facilities and Services Manager Greg Kable said the repairs to Foreshore Drive are imminent and would be completed by the end of 2021.

“We’re working with Transport for NSW to secure funding under a natural disaster claim and we’re expecting to know more about design and timeframes of the rebuild by mid-May.

“A full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has already been conducted and will be used for replacement works.

“The wetland is a precious environmental asset and will benefit with the new structure.

“In terms of design, what we know already is that the replacement structure will also allow for bikes and pedestrians,” Mr Kable said.

Kable said assessments of landslips at Marine Drive Fingal Bay and two others at Teramby Road Nelson Bay were underway.

“Our number one priority is the slip at the end of Teramby Road, and we’re working closely with the business owner who’s been affected since the storm first hit.

“We’ve had slope stability assessments done by geotechnical engineers and we’re expecting those reports back later this week.

“The report will look at immediate and long-term fixes at these sites.”

Other damage at Kallaroo Road and Corlette Point Road, Corlette, is being scoped and works expected within the next fortnight.

Meanwhile the severe flooding in Anna Bay and Stockton Ponds is easing with generator pumps remaining on site and repairs to permanent pumps underway.

“Our permanent pump automatically activated during the March event and it’s been pumping continuously since,” Facilities and Services Manager Greg Kable said.

“Due to the amount of rain Anna Bay received in the March event, we also accessed an additional pump.”

Mr Kable also said patching the potholes that have appeared since March was a key focus.

“Procurement problems due to increased demand along the east coast means the patching work we did in those early days was of a lower quality than usual, meaning we’ll still be dealing with potholes over the next few weeks.

“We know road users are frustrated, and we’re aware of the work that needs to be done, so thanks to everyone for being patient,” he said.

Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer has praised the community for their ongoing patience.

“Our crews have been working hard to repair the damage and have already done so much — but we’ve still got more to go. I’m very grateful to our community for your ongoing patience as we get to all these jobs,” Mayor Palmer said.

By Marian SAMPSON