New steering group formed for Ocean Drive duplication project


Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has established a new steering group to help provide appropriate governance for the Ocean Drive duplication project.

It follows the success of the steering group model for other major projects across the local government area including the Stingray Creek Bridge Replacement Project, the Small Villages Sewerage Scheme and the Port Macquarie Indoor Stadium Expansion Project.

Council resolved at its Ordinary meeting last Wednesday night to establish a steering group comprised of elected councillors, senior Council staff and Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) representatives.

Council’s Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management, Jeffery Sharp, said the steering group would act as a conduit between project management staff and elected councillors. It will be chaired by Cr Justin Levido with membership to include Mr Sharp, Council’s Group Manager Transport and Stormwater Network Planning, Duncan Clarke, Council’s Group Manager Infrastructure Delivery Gary Randall, Council’s Group Manager Financial Services Monika Bretmaisser and an RMS representative.

Mr Sharp said the steering group would provide a reporting mechanism to Council that allows the project delivery to continue expediently as required while keeping the Council informed of progress and fully aware of risks, concerns, financial matters and legislative/regulatory requirements throughout the design, tendering, construction and completion phases.

Council has received a $10 million State Government grant for the duplication of Ocean Drive between Greenmeadows Drive South and Matthew Flinders Drive.

A concept design for the project is nearing completion with RMS recently providing in-principle support for the construction of traffic lights at all three intersections within the project.

A meeting with interested community members was held late last year with a second meeting to be held once a preferred concept design has been confirmed.

Mr Sharp said the grant funding allocation of $10 million wouldn’t allow for the full duplication of Ocean Drive between Greenmeadows Drive South and Matthew Flinders Drive.

 He said Council would be proposing a staged approach from north to south with the first stage commencing at Greenmeadows Drive and proceeding south (and including) the Crestwood Drive intersection.

Council has already allocated $500,000 towards pre-construction with the remaining $9.5 million to be allocated to the commencement of construction works as soon as possible in the 2014/15 financial year.  

For more information visit Port Macquarie-Hastings Council