Residents of Spooners Avenue who are understandably frustrated have been reassured that Council wants to seal the road but will need government funding to deliver the project.
Kempsey Shire Council is committed to sealing Spooners Avenue, with the road listed as the second highest priority across the 600km unsealed road network behind Pipers Creek Road.
At an estimated cost of approximately $5.5 million however, grant funding is vital to making this happen.
Dylan Reeves, Kempsey Shire Council Group Manager Infrastructure Delivery, said maintaining Spooners Avenue will remain the focus until funding is made available.
“Spooners Avenue remains a focus on Council’s Maintenance Grading Program with crews grading it just last week,” said Mr Reeves.
“Money from general revenue is dedicated to maintaining our current assets rather than additional sealing works. We declared a road emergency in November and the maintenance and reconstruction work is still ongoing.
Spooners Avenue plays a crucial role when main routes are cut off to Kempsey, as experienced recently following separate incidents on the M1 and Macleay Valley Way.
“We recognise the importance of ensuring that Spooners Avenue remains in good condition to provide an alternative route for residents during times of road closures or disruptions,” said Mr Reeves.
“We understand the frustration of the community and we are glad that residents are meeting and demonstrating this. We need funding from the state or federal governments to afford to seal the route and community driven projects are always preferred by Council to pursue.
In May 2019, Council established a priority list for upgrading unsealed roads to bitumen with Spooners Avenue designated as the second priority out of all shire 600km unsealed road network.
Council continues to pursue grant funding and residents can pitch in to help Council secure this for the seal Spooners Avenue. Writing to our state and federal member is a valuable avenue for residents to voice their support for funding Spooners Avenue’s sealing.
