The focus is the section of road between Miala Street and Ernest Street, and explores upgrades of the road surface, key intersections, improved pedestrian/cyclist access and beautification of the area.

The project is estimated to cost about $26 million and is proposed to be completed via a two-stage approach.

Council wants the community to provide feedback on the proposed designs and to choose which section of the road should be planned for upgrade first.

Options include either from Miala Street to Fiona Crescent; or from Fiona Crescent to Ernest Street.

Council’s director of infrastructure Alex Fisher said the proposed upgrades account for expected growth of the region and will make the drive through Lake Cathie along Ocean Drive easier.

“The population in our region is expected to increase to around 104,000 people by 2036, with an estimated 3400 new residents to be living in the Lake Cathie/Bonny Hills area,” she said. 

“This important upgrade will ensure traffic flow and pedestrian safety is maintained as this growth happens, while also allowing capacity for the road to be widened to a total of four-lanes in the future.

“The community’s feedback is critical to finalising this project’s design.

“It will be invaluable when working with other levels of government on opportunities to fund the first stage of construction in the coming years.”

Council will host pop-up stalls in Lake Cathie, where local residents can view the proposed designs and ask questions of staff. 

The first session is on Monday, August 27 from 6pm until 7.30pm at the Lake Cathie Community Centre. 

The second session is on Saturday, September 1 from 10am until 12pm at the Lake Cathie Shopping Centre (in front of Woolworths). 

“Council encourages Lake Cathie residents, business owners and the broader Port Macquarie-Hastings community to have your say on the proposed future upgrade of Ocean Drive in Lake Cathie,” Ms Fisher said.

For more information visit haveyoursay.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/lake-cathie-ocean-drive or call council on 6581 8111.