How will this affect travel on Ocean Drive?
Ocean Drive is proposed to remain open for the duration of the works. However, there may be the need to close sections of Ocean Drive during off-peak periods (depending on construction methodology) to speed up works and minimise public safety risks.
Construction will be staged to improve traffic safety and efficiency during this time.
How do I stay informed?
Please check the project webpage for regular updates. A suite of fact sheets and policies regarding project construction are being developed and will be made available for public viewing on this web page shortly. If you’d like more detailed information you can sign up to receive our e-newsletter on this project.
During construction, we will work with the contractor and use a variety of communication tools to keep the community updated on changes to traffic conditions.
Our community engagement team is already working with directly impacted businesses and residents and will continue to do so as the project progresses.
Have environmental impacts been taken into consideration?
The project has been developed with the aim of protecting koalas and other endangered fauna from road dangers.
A number of studies were completed during the design phase to assess the project impacts on koala movement. These studies can be found in the Review of Environmental Factors linked on this web page. In response to this assessment, the design includes koala exclusion fencing, and a dedicated fauna underpass fitted with koala furniture.
Council is also working with developers to provide koala exclusion fences around the southern and western subdivisions to retain koalas within the Lake Innes Nature Reserve and detract them from moving into residential areas where they are prone to vehicle strike and dog attacks.
What are the impacts on local residents?
This project will utilise the latest construction methods and equipment, including noise mitigation measures, during construction.
An assessment addressing noise during construction, which was completed in accordance with State Government noise guidelines, determined that noise walls were not required as a result of the proposed upgrade due to the minimal impacts forecasted.
There are a select few properties, however, that qualify for more localised at-property treatments. We are already working with these identified residents and businesses directly.
Although some construction noise is unavoidable, the Contractor will be required to monitor noisy activities when working adjacent to residential properties to minimise these impacts as far as is practical and ensure they are adhering to requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Once a contractor has been appointed, we will provide detailed advice on the important matters of noise, vibration, dust and service interruptions.
Was the community consulted about this project?
Yes. Significant community consultation was completed during the design phase of the project between 2015 and 2017.
You can view the Community Consultation Report via the linked documents section on this web page.
Consultation is continuing, with our Engagement team working with businesses and directly impacted residents.
Who can I contact to learn more?
24 hour Project Contact Line
0427 430 577
Customer Service
council@pmhc.nsw.gov.au
(02) 6581 8111