PortMac.News has been informed that 'As per Council policy, (unfortunately) live streaming or capturing audio of the Council meeting will not be possible'. One can only wonder why this is the case.

At next Wednesday’s meeting (19-06-19), Port Macquarie-Hastings Council will consider a report on the Proposed Orbital Road Project, and how to move forward in addressing the broader problem of traffic congestion in Port Macquarie.

The report focuses on the Community Engagement Report, which captures the feedback received during the initial community and stakeholder engagement period, and provides recommendations on the proposed next steps in the project.

General Manager, Craig Swift-McNair said that the feedback received from the community had been extensive, and thanked everyone who had taken the time to engage with Council in the early stages of this important matter.

“More than 17,000 members of our community have viewed the information on our website,completed a survey, written to us or attended one of the many community meetings,” said Mr SwiftMcNair.

“This level of engagement demonstrates how much community interest there is in ensuring that we address our immediate and future transport network needs, and traffic congestion challenges.

“I want to continue to re-iterate that no decision has been made by Council to construct an Orbital Road. We have listened to our community’s views, and carefully considered our recommendations to Council regarding next steps,” Mr Swift-McNair said.

In the report to Council, staff have made a number of recommendations, including proceeding to the development of a Strategic Business Case. It recommends that as part of the Strategic Business Case that route options be reviewed (both those presented by Council during the recent community engagement and those suggested by the community during this time).

Consideration will be given as to how these compare with or add to possible improvements to the existing road network, such as planned upgrades to Lake Road, Ocean Drive, or other Council managed roads… and the Oxley Highway as a State Government managed road.

The Council meeting will take place at 5.30pm on Wednesday 19 June in the Port Macquarie Council Chambers in Burrawan Street.

The report on the Proposed Orbital Road and all agenda items are available on Council’s website, and hard copies of the report are available for viewing at Council’s Port Macquarie office and the Port Macquarie Library.

Community members wishing to attend the Council meeting should note that seating in the Council Chambers is limited, and it is recommended to arrive early to secure a seat.