THE state government has reallocated $3 million from another project towards the construction of a roundabout in the Camden Haven.
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The money will go towards a roundabout at the intersection of Ocean Drive and Houston Mitchell Drive near the future Lake Cathie Public School.
Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams said it was ultimately the responsibility of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council to improve local roads, however the state government would do whatever it could to assist councils.
“It’s a priority for safe access to the school and providing access to the new sporting fields,” she said about the roundabout.
The Lake Cathie school development was approved in January, with traffic to reach the school from a temporary access.
The Department of Education and Communities declined responsibility for construction or funding of the roundabout.
Mayor Peter Besseling wrote to then Premier Barry O’Farrell in March raising concerns over a temporary school access and seeking state government funding for the roundabout.
Cr Besseling said the roundabout was a better outcome for the community and it was an appropriate outcome.
“If this was a private school being developed, it would be incumbent on the developer to contribute to the roundabout.
“This is no different.”
Council staff are in discussions with Roads and Maritime Services about the next steps.
The roundabout has an estimated construction cost of $4.7 million. Mrs Williams said she was confident there was ample funding for the council to continue planning for the Ocean Drive duplication.
“I’m still absolutely committed to that project, and as soon as council is ready for the construction, we will work towards funding for that project,” she said.
“I will continue to advocate for our [Ocean Drive] election commitment to be honoured when council has that project shovel ready.” St Vincents Foundation is the major landholder in Area 14, an urban growth area at Lake Cathie/Bonny Hills.
A director with St Vincents Foundation, Peter Corcoran, congratulated Mrs Williams in achieving the roundabout funding.
“It’s a terrific boon for the area and ultimately will provide very safe access to the school and the future playing fields,” he said.
The roundabout will enable the St Vincents Foundation to accelerate provision of the playing fields.