As the owner of two tyre retail stores on the Central Coast and one in Newcastle, I am acutely aware of the toll that deteriorating roads are taking on our community.
The recent wet weather has only worsened conditions, especially along the Peninsula and towards Gosford, where potholes are becoming increasingly prevalent.
Currently our region boasts a road network extending 2,254km.
It’s encouraging to note that the Council is placing a renewed emphasis on road maintenance in its 2024/25 Operational Plan.
This year, road infrastructure will constitute 23.9 per cent of the total works program of $308.5M, with a budget allocation of $73.6M.
This will be further enhanced with some pending works projects for 24/25 on road and drainage assets of a further $26M.
Although this is pleasing to hear, more can always be done.
Given the population within our region is expected to grow by 18.41 per cent over the next 22 years the time has never been better to start planning appropriate road infrastructure that will withstand the growth, minimise damage such as potholes and improve traffic flow.
As we stand at the precipice of an important period with local governance on the Coast, it is imperative that the right chamber is elected.
A chamber that has 15 community-minded people who have a wide-ranging skill set, a group that works together as a team and builds a foundation of mission and team before self.
A chamber that takes ownership of its decisions and outcomes.
A chamber that leads.
A chamber that inspires.
A chamber that is responsible and a chamber that listens but also has the ability and resilience to make tough decisions that are good for the region but might not be comfortable for each of their individual needs.
With this in mind, the Central Coast will be positioned where it has the potential to be positioned and value will be provided to its ratepayers again.
Email, Aug 2
Brent McWaide, East Gosford