Leslie Williams said it is important for council to focus on what will benefit the community now and that includes starting work on the duplication of Ocean Drive of which more than $65 million in funding is already allocated.

Council said in August it would commence Ocean Drive duplication project detailed construction planning as it turned to the federal government for potential support for a projected $30 million funding gap risk.

A spokesperson confirmed that council has requested a discussion with the Deputy Prime Minister through Member for Cowper Pat Conghan and is awaiting a response.

A councillor briefing will also be held the discuss the financial aspects of that $30 million funding gap risk and the solution options available to council.

The state government's funding commitment is capped at $60 million, made up of a $10 million special grant following an election commitment in 2011 and a further $50 million announced before the 2019 election.

The council has committed $5.5 million to the project.

Transport for NSW has indicated it is not prepared to construct the road duplication.

"I would prefer to see council focus on issues of the day, one of which is the Ocean Drive duplication. We are waiting for them now to make some commitment financially further to what they've done with their $5.5 million," Mrs Williams said.

"One option is to look internally at other ways to fund any potential shortfall. Council has said $30 million - but it's not a definitive $30 million. Until this project goes to tender we don't know how much it's going to cost but someone has to commit to covering any over-runs of the $60 million already put on table."

Mrs Williams said council has received correspondence from the Minister to request where progress it at on the project.

"They need to tell us what they are doing," Mrs Williams said.

"The state has committed $60 million, we need to work how to spend it.

"We need council to say that out of the $300 million in investments they have, they are prepared to wear that potential risk over what the state government has committed and the $5.5 million they have committed.

"Council should be really focused on getting this going to create hundreds of jobs over a number of years.

"What a perfect time to focus on the here and now and getting people into work."

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