THE long running debate over the sealing of Point Plomer Rd has resurfaced.
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The road has been in good condition for most of the year, but has been damaged by the heavy rain of the past few weeks.
It is among several roads that have been brought to the attention of The Argus this week - Maria River Rd is another.
Some local business owners and campers claim Point Plomer Rd is in the worst condition they can remember.
With camping grounds along the road near full capacity, hundreds of cars are travelling the gravel road from the camping grounds into Crescent Head and back every day.
When the Macleay Argus went to look at the road on Wednesday, drivers were resorting to driving on the wrong side of the road and weaving to avoid the deep ruts and potholes.
Local business proprietor and resident Lynne Blacklow has long been an advocate for tarring the road for its entire length.
But she was aware there would be strong opposition to this move.
“The poor condition of the road really does deter people from visiting the area, particularly on day trips, and if they are elderly or only have one car which they cannot risk being damaged,” Mrs Blacklow said.
“I know there will be a lot of locals who think this is a good thing, but it is such a beautiful area that is becoming world famous through it's surfing beaches and attracting visitors from all around the world.
“I have been here for 33 years and I don’t think I have ever seen Point Plomer Rd in worse condition.
“We should be encouraging people to visit rather than making it more difficult.”
Delicate Nobby Campground patrons Jackie and Jane, who did not wish their surnames to be used, agreed the state of the road was a consideration when coming to the area on holiday.
“We have been here several times and I agree the road is as bad as I have seen it,” Jackie said.
“It is something that comes up when I talk to other people about visiting."
Another local resident and business owner in said he was in favour of esealing the road - but requested his name not be published.
He said the issue of sealing the road needed to be discussed seriously again.
“Look, I want it sealed but I know a lot of my friends don’t," he said.
"But they aren’t living out here and travelling back and forward taking kids to school in Crescent Head twice a day.
“It is a controversial issue I know but it needs looking at again calmly and rationally and a reasoned decision arrived at; if that happens then I can live with whatever is decided.”
He said that the condition of the road was a safety issue for the local residents all year round and the tourists during the holiday season.
“It is so bad at times the ambulance and the fire brigade can’t respond quickly to an emergency which is a real concern for families who live and work along Point Plomer Rd," he said.
Kempsey Shire Council Infrastructure Services director Robert Scott said road repairs were timed to benefit ratepayers.
"We usually grade it after the holiday period so local residents are able to get the most out it,” he said.
Mr Scott said the council did the best job it could repairing specific damage to roads in the shire at this time of year.
"We only have a skeleton staff available throughout the New Year period so we are really only equipped to deal with serious incidents,” he said.
"Roads around the Macleay take a bit of a battering throughout the holiday period so we just have to do the best we can what we have."
