BY PETER HYSLOP
The State’s Roads Minister has issued a tough response to Port Stephens Council’s communication about the state of Lemon Tree Passage Road and Medowie Road.
“[Council] really have to look at- ‘how did it get to that poor condition?'” Jenny Aitchison said on Thursday.
Council estimates the repair bill to be over $100 million for both thoroughfares, saying both roads need a full reconstruction.
Jenny Aitchison confirmed Transport for NSW is getting in contact with Council and a new process to apply for road re-categorisation is being finalised.
If the roads were re-categorised, Council wouldn’t have to foot the whole bill for the repair and ongoing management of the roads.
Small parcels of Council-owned land are being sold across the region to try and save a rate variation from being passed on to ratepayers.
“We’re looking at every way we possibly can to put money into roads,” Mayor Leah Anderson told 2NURFM.
“We know this is a big issue right across the state … we will be following that [road re-categorisation] process,” she said.
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| Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison at Hexham on Thursday |
