A report requested to go before the February 2017 council meeting will be the next step.

The report will quantify the risk to the council associated with the storm water network and provide a recommended approach detailing the types of work required to address the problem.

Cr Justin Levido raised the matter at the October 19 council meeting.

The report to the council meeting said it was unsatisfactory that in the second decade of the 21^st century in an area such as the Port Macquarie-Hastings that there were residents who suffered significant property damage and inconvenience when heavy rain occurred.

“Unfortunately, the provision, improvement and enhancement of storm water drainage in the Port Macquarie-Hastings local government area has remained a very low priority,” the report said.

Cr Levido wants that to change.

It is hoped the February council report will provide a pathway forward.

Cr Levido said storm water drainage was an area where the council needed to put its thinking cap on and see if it could develop a strategy to make significant improvements.

The provision, improvement and enhancement of storm water drainage is a core council service.

Councillors unanimously supported a two-part recommendation.