LAST week's announcement of $17 million for the sealing of Maria River Rd under the Fixing Local Roads Program is a great example of multiple levels of government working together.
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As we know, Maria River Rd has long been a safety issue affecting drivers between Port Macquarie and Kempsey council areas.
It would make no sense at all for only one of the councils to seek the funding to seal only one end of the road. By working together, and contributing to the preparation of the background materials, we have successfully attracted this significant State and Federal funding.
This is a complex and long-term project that will take some years to deliver.
Detailed survey work will soon start to inform the detailed design and property related matters.
Kempsey Shire Council staff will continue to work collaboratively with our Port Macquarie-Hastings Council neighbours in the delivery of the work.
Under the Fixing Local Roads Program, the Federal Government has committed $191 million to build on the previously committed $500 million from the State Government. These are huge sums of money, but the reality is that roads are incredibly costly assets and it takes these big sums to really make a difference.
In additional to Maria River Rd, almost $3 million has been announced for the rehabilitation and resurfacing of South West Rocks Rd and resealing several rural roads around our shire.
Markets return
It was fantastic to celebrate the return of the Kempsey Riverside Markets on the first Saturday in July.
With COVID-19 safety practices in place and everyone being respectful of the changes, we were able to safely support local businesses and enjoy a perfect winter day.
The range of unique products and amazing local foods has made our market a standout. Just taking the time to appreciate the simple pleasures of being together in the park is one of the positive things we can take out of the challenges of 2020.
