The Northside Progress Association says it is ‘pleased’ Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is now trialing an SMS system for emergencies and ferry breakdowns.
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The SMS system is one of three concerns the association has raised at recent meetings with council.
Along with the lack of a plan in emergency situations, the association also raised parallel issues including, safety and reallocation of bus routes and traffic congestion on the corner of Hastings River Drive and Boundary Street.
“Following the breakdown of the Settlement Point ferry, the North Shore Progress Association was represented by our president, Carla McKern, vice president Kingsley Searle, and secretary Narelle Milligan at a meeting with relevant heads of council including the general manager and the mayor,” the association said.
“We are pleased that, as a result of our intense lobbing, the council is currently trialing the SMS system which was due by July 1 this year.
“They (council) have also developed a set of protocols to ensure smoother communications in times of breakdowns and emergencies.
“If there are no more glitches they expect the opt in system to be in place before Christmas. They will also give adequate warning, as far as possible, of refueling times and days.
“We also await other changes to assist traffic flow,” the association said.
Council has confirmed it is trailing the SMS system.
