Council had received some complaints about it being Father's Day, and since then everything possible has been done to negotiate changing it - although realising there is a contract in place.

Council met on Monday and ultimately resolved to ask our CEO to again consult Ironman Australia about the date.

Unsurprisingly, that was unsuccessful for various reasons including: tides; timing with other Ironman dates/tides; postponing already this year due to COVID restrictions; risk to reputation for PMHC, our area, and Ironman, with competitors and 3000-odd volunteers.

Father's Day September 5 is not ideal as people want to travel freely to visit, and Ironman road closures interfere.

We've also heard the closures especially penalise the Camden Haven.

But, I've now heard from a variety of the area's residents who say it's a storm in a teacup; one can plan ahead to get around closures, or just live with being home for a day.

Residents in some parts of Port Macquarie are affected even more, with road closures on the actual day and during set-up and closure.

Lake Cathie and Bonny Hills do seem especially affected, although again, people plan ahead.

Ironically, the day prior - Saturday, September 4 - is one day we absolutely need people to have free access because of local government elections.

Ironman is right now a contractual issue. I trust no-one will be so foolish as to make a legal matter political through the election campaign.

The question of ironman will be revisited, with community consultation, prior to any contract renewal being considered.

However, if people have concerns about the route for 2022, you can convey your objections to council now for consideration.

Cr Intemann's opinions are not necessarily council's.