COMMUNITY CONNECT - I n s i d e -
this issue J A N U A R Y
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Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Newsletter
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Our Mayor Peter Bessling Message from the Mayor
3 Stingray Creek Bridge Update
JANUARY 2015
$3.7 million reseal program
3 Parks & Playgrounds replacement
3 Our Place, Our Future
Loggy Creek Bridge replaced After 14 weeks and a cost of $1.5 million the Loggy Creek Bridge on Pembroke Road has been completed ahead of schedule and under budget. Works included the demolition of the existing bridge, construction of the new bridge, tree clearing, earthworks and pavement construction. Pictured in November ahead of the bridge being opened to traffic are (left to right) Steve Kennedy (Bridge Crew), Danny Marchment (earthworks Crew), Gavin Gudgeon (Hopkins Surveyor), Rodney Sanderson (Earthworks Crew) Ray Flanagan (Bridge Team Leader) and Ida Vaai (Works Engineer).
PMHC ListENing
The new Loggy Creek Bridge From left to right: Steve Kennedy (Bridge Crew), Danny Marchment (Earthworks Crew), Gavin Gudgeon (Hopkins Surveyor), Rodney Sanderson (Earthworks Crew), Ray Flanagan (Bridge Team Leader), Ida Vaai (Works Engineer)
Parks, planning and projects - we are always striving to make our community a better place. We would love to hear your thoughts and ideas at www.pmhclistening.com.au
F e a t ur e S t o ry :
A Message From
the Mayor Peter Besseling Mid way through the 2014-2015 One Year Operational Plan and its great to report that many of the activities and projects committed too have been delivered, within the context of a balanced budget. A balanced budget simply means there is enough money available to complete all the activities outlined in the Operational Plan without incurring debt. The areas of transport, water and sewerage services are where nearly 80 per cent of the capital works budget will be spent. Engagement and research with our community has indicated that these major projects are of primary interest to our ratepayers as these provide evidence of ‘your rates in action’. This issue of Community Connect gives you an update on some of those major projects. The major projects hub on Council’s engagement website www.pmhclistening.com.au also provides a summary of projects the decision making process, construction milestones and opportunities for you to have a say on planning. To stay informed as more projects are competed follow me on, Facebook/MayorPMHC.
$3.7 Million Road Reseal Program This financial year Council has adopted a program of resealing, rejuvenation and minor rehabilitation works that will see more than $3.7 million invested in maintaining our road network. The program of works has been developed as part of a four year rolling program and forms part of this year’s operational plan. The 2014-2015 Reseal Program represents 288,000m² of resurfacing works, totalling around 4.3 per cent of the entire road network. Work will be completed on road segments where the existing seal is still in reasonable condition and is adequately protecting the pavement from water damage, creating the best value. Resealing our road network is a preventative process and the most economical method of pavement resurfacing. When done at the appropriate time, it is the best way to maintain the life of the road pavement. Resealing is comparable to other resurfacing methods in durability and effectiveness, while costing around one tenth of the price of reconstruction methods or asphalt overlays. Council’s commitment to significantly increasing the funding dedicated to the maintenance of road assets through the reseal program, means the level of deterioration across the road network can be reduced. A significant part of the 2014-2015 reseal program will be conducted in the Camden Haven area with residents advised of any traffic disruptions through letterbox drops prior to work commencing. The 2014-2015 Reseal Program is outlined below. Location
Estimated Cost
Bonny Hills
$718,509.58
Lake Cathie
$523,757.25
Laurieton (Lakewood)
$129,358.32
Port Macquarie (including major pavement rehabilitation works on Lord Street and Hastings River Drive)
$1,784,116.47
Wauchope
$562,193.47
Total Cost Estimate
$3,717,935.09
Parks and Playgrounds Replacement Did you know there are around 60 playgrounds in our local government area! Each year when planning for capital works projects, Council conducts an audit on the condition of assets like playgrounds and identifies those that need replacing. On average, Council upgrades between five and six parks per year and it takes around 10 years to get back to each one for another upgrade. Upgrades may involve repairs to pieces of equipment in good condition or replacement of individual items or in some case like the playground at Westport Park, construction of a whole new play space. Many of the playgrounds Council upgrades are small local playgrounds with only three to four pieces of equipment in them, but spaces that have a great value to the nearby residents. To make sure the community can get involved in the playground replacement program Council has created a dedicated space on www.pmhclistening.com.au called ‘The Play Space’. It’s on this page where you can have your say about the type of equipment used, look at plans as they get developed and check on what work is in progress.
Livvi’s Place, an all-abilities playground at Westport Park in Port Macquarie, was opened in early December and is the result of a joint project between Council, national charity Touched by Olivia and the local community.
Our Place, Our Future
Stingray Creek Bridge Update
Summer Focus on Water Saving
Forecasters suggest there will be more than 28,000 additional people living in the Local Government Area by 2036. Council is in the initial stages of developing the Urban Growth Management Strategy 2015-2036, a key document to help plan for that growth.
Significant milestones were reached late last year in the project to construct a new Stingray Creek Bridge in the Camden Haven. An effective partnership between Council, the NSW Government and Roads and Maritime Services resulted in a major funding injection and release of tender documents to companies shortlisted for the construction phase.
Council have undertaken a water saving education campaign throughout the summer involving a competition on sharing water saving tips, partnering with Landcare to demonstrate waterwise gardening and supplying reminder materials to accommodation houses so visitors are aware of our water restructions.
The new Strategy will determine the future landscape of our region including housing, business, industry, recreation and tourism development and a strong focus will be on major towns and villages. Council is interested in what the community has to say about how the area can accommodate this future growth and has released a discussion paper Our Place, Our Future. It contains interesting facts and statistics and poses a series of questions is on exhibition until 31 January 2015, with copies available at Council offices or from www.pmhclistening.com.au.
The project and finalisation of detailed designs for the replacement bridge have been impacted by the need for additional geotechnical investigations, service relocations, an Aboriginal land claim and land acquisition matters. The funding security of an additional $8.4 million, provided through the NSW Government, means tenders will be evaluated early in 2015. The anticipated construction timeline from the awarding of tenders to bridge completion is estimated at 18 months.
The lovable Council water mascot, Whizzy the Waterdrop has also been out and about promoting water conservation at the beach and handing out water-saving tips, such as brushing (not washing) the sand off your feet or surfboard. The campaign, commenced after data showed water consumption was higher in November 2014 compared to the same time for the previous year, has encouraging residents and visitors to be aware of the current water restrictions and what they can do as individuals to reduce water use.
EAST COAST ENCOUNTER East Coast Encounter (20 February - 5 April 2015 at Glasshouse Regional Gallery) is a multi-arts initiative involving Australian Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists, writers and songwriters to re-imagine the encounter by Lt James Cook and his crew with Aboriginal people in 1770. The exhibition re-envisages these moments of contact between two world views. www.glasshouse.org.au Gail Mabo, Constellation, 2014, monoprint on paper, 59.5 x 89.5 cm. Courtesy of Monsoon Press for Umbrella Studio
Circa - Beyond On Thursday 5 February the Glasshouse will present Australia’s internationally acclaimed circus troupe, Circa. With shows that have toured to 30 countries across six continents, including recent hit seasons in Berlin and Brisbane Festival, you will be awed by the physical strength and grace of these superb acrobats. www.glasshouse.org.au
Heritage Festival Discover the amazing stories that connect our past to our present at the 16th Heritage Festival. Many community and heritage groups will be working together to promote our unique heritage and hold events. There will more than 25 exciting activities, exhibitions and lectures celebrating the people, stories, landmarks and collections of the Port Macquarie-Hastings region. www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/Heritage
Port Macquarie Beatles Festival The Port Macquarie Beatles Festival is a celebration of the music of the world’s most popular pop band most prolific song writers. During the four day event (12-15 February 2015) there will be a Great Beatles Music, Classic Car Show, Rock & Roll Dancers, Entertainment on the Town Green, Dance Parties and more. www.portmacquariebeatlesfestival.com
Port Macquarie Office Corner of Lord & Burrawan St Phone: (02) 6581 8111 Port Macquarie NSW 2444
Wauchope Office High Street Phone: (02) 6589 6500 Wauchope NSW 2446
www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au
Laurieton Office Laurie Street Phone: (02) 6559 9958 Laurieton NSW 2443