It is one of the most divisive issues in the community.

While Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Mayor Peta Pinson describes it as a "critical piece of infrastructure that will provide a long-term solution for our growth", others are not so sure.

An orbital road involves an east-west link (Ocean Drive to Oxley Highway), a north-south link (Oxley Highway to Boundary Street) and a flood-free route to the Port Macquarie Airport.

In November 2018  Port Macquarie-Hastings Council voted to move to community consultation on the design of the road.

A number of action groups sprung up in  affected areas including, Lake Innes, Greenmeadows, and Fernhill.

Concerns by residents are wide-ranging.

They include the impact on about 470 property owners in the proposed investigative corridor, environmental concerns and cost.  

State and Federal government funding would be required.

Feedback on community consultation which closes March 30 will be presented to council in June for a decision on the next stage of the project. 

What do your state political candidates think of an orbital road?

Drusi Megett, Greens candidate

I am surprised that the present route for the Orbital road is being considered. At something like a cost of $800 million I don't think the present route is a sensible option. Many houses are affected as well as koala habitat, businesses and heritage properties. Across Lake Innes Reserve I was told the road could go under the electricity easement which is about 4 metres wide. But a four lane road has a width of 30 metres and across the wetland this would need to be a bridge. Hence the huge cost! Meanwhile people affected by the proposed route are anxious and their property has lost value - not a happy situation.

In a few short years there will be a revolution in transport, including public transport, with driver-less vehicles. Investment in cycle ways is overdue. If this is turned around there will be less need for extra roadways.

Peter Alley, Labor candidate

It is important to plan for the infrastructure of the future and in the case of the orbital road, this needs to be done well in advance. This proposal has been around since the 1980s and never properly dealt with.

The next stage of the orbital road investigation is the business case. This will determine whether it has a positive cost benefit and will determine the best route for the road. It will look not only at the current route but will consider alternatives. Without the business case, the uncertainty of those who live in the investigation area will continue for decades to come.

Our traffic congestion is getting worse as our community grows. The Orbital Road will only be built if we have strong leadership by Council, the state member and the NSW Government. At the moment, the state member and the NSW Government are not showing that leadership.

Leslie Williams MP, National's candidate

I have publicly stated on numerous occasions that whilst I support Port Macquarie-Hastings Council's vision for an orbital road, I do not support the proposed route.

The current proposed route negatively impacts on a significant number of residents, businesses and service providers and is clearly causing widespread distress and anxiety.

I have met with many residents and groups affected by this proposal, many of them have been in tears at the thought their homes will be bulldozed to make way for a road. An orbital road by definition would actually go round an area not straight through it.

I have met with the Minister for Roads, Melinda Pavey to discuss the Orbital Road and I have formally written to her requesting that RMS work with Port Macquarie-Hastings Council to identify alternative routes for an orbital road that minimises the impact on current residents.

Jan Burgess, Sustainable Australia

Trying to build new major roads in an established community is always difficult.

Economic interests and traffic flow requirements are important and valid concerns, both for residents and local businesses, but they must be balanced against other factors such as environmental issues.

The environmental impacts of the proposed route are concerning in that it disturbs the koala breeding habitat in Fernhill and also the historic Alban House.

Intensive community engagement is essential. Most importantly for the residents involved, any proposed route must be either agreed on, or discarded. It is not acceptable to leave residents affected by the development living in limbo.

Sustainable Australia accepts the need for new roadworks as growth continues, but would ensure environmental concerns are addressed and would prefer to stabilise growth and improve public transport to reduce the need for additional roadwords.