Council staff respond to capital works submissions
Central Coast Council staff have responded to five submissions about its draft Operational Plan about capital works on the Peninsula.
The submissions concerned the Rawson Rd/Ocean Beach Rd intersection, the Woy Woy Waterfront project, and requests for renewal of Railway St, Woy Woy, for improvements to Rabaul Ave and about beach access at Ettalong.
No changes to the draft Operational Plan resulted from the submissions.
In relation to the intersection upgrade at Ocean Beach Rd and Rawson Rd, Woy Woy, Council staff commented: "Council has been progressing this as part of a package of works funded by the Australian Government's $86.5M Central Coast Roads Package.
"To date, Council has completed extensive investigations including traffic modelling and an assessment of suitable options which has enabled a draft concept design for this intersection upgrade proposal.
"The project aims to reduce congestion by delivering immediate improvements to traffic flow and movements through the intersection and to cater for growth and development on the Peninsula.
"Improved safety for road users and pedestrians, including cyclists, will be achieved through signalised pedestrian crossings on each leg of the intersection."
In relation to Woy Woy Waterfront Masterplan, the Coucil staff response was: "Council is currently engaging a designer to finalise the Masterplan, which includes upgrades to the swimming enclosure.
"The engagement was previously on Council's website www.yourvoiceourcoast.com/woywoywaterfront, with the 'final plans to consider community feedback and be placed on Council website'."
In relation to the request for the renewal of Railway St, Woy Woy, to be included in road renewal scheme, the response was: "Council staff routinely inspect the road network and associated infrastructure with any defects identified, such as pot holes, scheduled for repairs in accordance with our current service levels and on a priority risk basis.
"As part of the Capital Works Program funding is allocated to undertake an extensive Road Renewal Program.
"This type of funding is designed to maintain and improve the condition of the road network by undertaking works such as crack sealing, road rehabilitation, resurfacing of the pavement, and the like.
"These renewal works do not provide new infrastructure, such as kerb and gutter or footpaths, where they currently do not exist.
"Council uses an advanced Pavement Management System to prioritise road segments, select treatment options and develop the Road Renewal Program. Roads considered for inclusion in the Road Renewal Program are objectively assessed and prioritised via application of a range of technical criteria within our road pavement management system.
"Projects with the highest priority are then considered for an allocation of funding.
"The renewal of Railway Street has been assessed in-line with the above process with no renewal works identified within the next four years.
"Until such time as further road renewal works are warranted, Council staff will continue to routinely inspect the road pavement and schedule maintenance repair works, such as pothole repairs, as required.
"It is acknowledged that sections of Railway Street are not line marked and Council will review safety in Railway Street and if deemed warranted prepare a report for the provision of additional line marking for consideration and recommendation of the Local Traffic Committee."
Council staff also rejected a request for a path along Rabual Ave, Umina: "As part of the Capital Works Program funding is allocated to undertake an extensive Road Renewal Program.
"This type of funding is designed to maintain and improve the condition of the road network by undertaking works such as crack sealing, road rehabilitation, resurfacing of the pavement, and the like.
"These renewal works do not provide new infrastructure, such as kerb and gutter or footpaths, where they currently do not exist.
"There are no plans to provide a footpath in Rabual Ave at this time."
Council staff also dismissed a request for "improved beach access" at Ettalong.
"The Lance Webb Reserve Seawall was constructed in 2012-13 and an assessment of its structural integrity was undertaken in 2016-17 finding that the wall is secure.
"The beach in this area is naturally receding due to tidal currents and waves and the wall has worked in stopping this process from occurring.
"The use of a groyne field was investigated however the visual impact of the groynes coupled with potentially significant end effects at the ferry wharf and beyond were such that the use of groynes was not pursued further.
"In order to maintain a sandy beach in this area over the medium to longer term, regular sand renourishment will be required.
"Beach erosion at Ettalong has been an issue for many generations and the beach has been renourished on several occasions over the past 100 years.
"The NSW Government is in the process of planning future maintenance dredging operations for the entrance reach to Brisbane Water and as part of this program, at Council's request, are investigating the beneficial reuse of dredge spoil for beach renourishment at Ettalong and other sand foreshores."
SOURCE:
Central Coast Council agenda 2.3, 25 Jun 2024