WITH THE paint barely dry on the new stretch of highway and smiles all around, negotiations turn to the more complex future of the Old Pacific Highway in the Nambucca Shire.
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Complete with 14 major structures, 11 of which are bridges, the council sees huge maintenance price tags in the years ahead and is working for the best possible settlement with the RMS.
“That amounts to $54 million worth of infrastructure with an estimated depreciation of $1.07 million per annum,” the mayor, Rhonda Hoban said.
“Usually the RMS offers a one-off payment which is the equivalent of 10 years of maintenance, after that you are on our own.
“I am most worried about the two bridges over Warrell Creek as well as Newee Creek and Deep Creek as they are very expensive structures and some are not in good condition.
“I have written to the minister and requested the RMS keeps all of those bridges, as they have done with the Macksville Bridge – I have not yet had a response.”
Cr Hoban said given that the Department of Local Government demands councils keep on top of maintenance costs in order to remain sustainable, it was vital to strike a deal that was affordable for shire ratepayers.
“A one percent rate increase across the shire would earn us about $90,000, so you can see how difficult it will be over the long term.”
The general manager, Michael Coulter, said once the council received the RMS’ offer, it would do some long-term financial modelling and look at ways to reduce the road pavement and infrastructure to be maintained.
“With the reduction in traffic volume, there will be a review of pavement width and overtaking lanes … for example, we might be able to reduce our deprecation expenses by incorporating cycle ways.”
He also highlighted the high stakes around the big bridge negotiations.
“The replacement of even one, particularly if it was unexpected, would financially break the council,” he said.
