Council Happenings: 30 September 2022

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

CLARENCE TOWN
ROAD UPDATE

A smooth ride between Dungog and our neighbours is one step closer with Council issuing tenders for the remaining sections of Clarence Town Road yet to receive an upgrade.

Designs have been finalised and tenders issued for the 3.6km of urban roadway (segments 4/5/6). This section commences 400m south of Alison Road, north 1.8km to Maitland Road and on toward Dungog.

A second tender was also released for a rural section of Clarence Town Road (segments 10 and 11). This commences from Abelard Street north 350m to Lord Street, and then Mary Street from Lord Street to Dowling Street.

Consultation will be undertaken with local residents prior to any works commencing.

The works are due to commence on site early in 2023.

SHIRE TOUR - DISCOVERING
OUR BACKYARD

Our new Councillors hit the road again this week to explore all Dungog has to offer, concluding their second shire tour conducted this month.

Previously we visited the Dave Sands Memorial and School of Arts halls in Vacy and Paterson, to name a few, before settling on Ladies Well. This past week Councillors hit the Eastern part of the shire, seeing Banfield Bridge and works underway at Thalaba Bridge.

We really do live in a special part of the world. Councillors commented on how great it was to meet new faces along the way.

PEDALFEST POSTPONED

Pedalfest 2022 has been postponed and the previously advertised Temporary Road Closures WILL NOT be undertaken this weekend.

Follow our Facebook page for Pedalfest updates and more information.

IF IT'S FLOODED,
FORGET IT

With La Nina predicted to hit our area again over the next few months there will be increased rains, that much is almost certain.

The recent incident where a young family became trapped in a vehicle crossing an inundated roadway on a private property within the Dungog Shire, again brings to light the dangers of driving through flood waters.

It’s a good opportunity to remind our community that during sustained periods of wet weather, one of the key safety messages is simple:  don't drive through floodwaters. Doing so will likely severely damage your vehicle and could also put your life at risk.

We strongly urge residents and visitors to the Shire to adhere to the following reminders provided by the State Emergency Service: If it’s flooded, forget it. Don’t chance it. If you live close to a creek, river, major storm water drain or in a low‐lying area, you may be at risk from floods and should not drive in or near inundated roadways.

A 'road closed' or a 'road flooded' sign means that road is unsafe to travel on. It is safer to turn around than to enter floodwater.
Find alternate ways which are free from floodwater or wait until the all clear is given for that road.

If there is a flooded road which does not have a 'road closed' or 'road flooded sign', it is still unsafe to travel through floodwater.
Floodwater can also erode and wash away road surfaces leaving deep holes and uneven surfaces which cannot be seen.
Those seeking emergency assistance during a flood or storm should call the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500 or visit their website for more information: www.ses.nsw.gov.au

Remember, in all life-threatening situations and emergencies, the public are advised to contact Triple Zero (000).

Thank you to the emergency services team at Port Stephens Hunter Police District who responded and assisted the family who were trapped in their vehicle. Stay safe everyone.

NEED SOME IDEAS

FOR THE WEEKEND

The Flash Dash and the Bendy Sausage are back! Yes, you heard it right. The much-anticipated Oktoberfest at Wallarobba Hall returns after a two-year hiatus. Held tomorrow 1 October, the popular Flash Dash which sees the Shire’s best dachshunds race it out for glory, will be run.

Plus there’s a Sausage dog obstacle course – hence the bendy sausage. We hear that there are already 15 entrants in the big race, so it’s sure to be a hotly contested chase. Beer, food, bands will also be on offer. Check out their Facebook page for more information.

The Dungog Art Show is THE biggest annual event on the community arts calendar. The exhibition is for artists of all ages to enter their works with the best of the shire on show. There’s 13 categories and it runs from today until 9 October. Today’s official opening is at 6.30pm at the James Theatre and is sure to be a good time.

REMINDER FOSTERTON BRIDGE CLOSURE FROM TUESDAY

Motorists are reminded Fosterton Bridge works begin from Tuesday, after the long weekend.

We are kicking off the next phase of our bridge replacement projects, made possible thanks to the NSW Government Fixing Country Bridges program. While it is a big undertaking, the $19 million program of works will further strengthen river crossings throughout Dungog Shire and make our community safer and more connected.

From Tuesday 4 October, Fosterton Road will be closed in both directions for the construction of the new Fosterton Bridge. Detours will be in place – via Stroud Hill Road.

Pending weather and materials availability, construction is set to be completed in January 2023. The $1.07 million Fosterton Bridge project includes demolition of the current timber structure, design and build of a new concrete bridge and associated road approaches.

Please get in touch for more information on road diversions. Our team are more than willing to help.