Residents urged to have their say on Lennox Head road
Community members and business leaders in the Lennox Head area are being encouraged to provide input over the next few weeks into the proposed extension of Hutley Drive.
If approved, a two-lane roadway will be constructed extending from the existing section of Hutley Drive to the intersection of North Creek Road and Skennars Head Road, Lennox Head.
SMEC Australia P/L is currently preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) which will assess the environmental, social and economic aspects of the road.
Ballina Shire Council’s Group Manager of Civil Services, John Truman, said as part of the process, a preliminary road concept design has been developed and public comment is now being sought.
“Council will ensure that the community is involved throughout the entire design and construction process,” he said.
The proposed road will be approximately 13 metres wide with a road corridor of 20 metres and will include a shared pedestrian and cycleway.
“As urban development continues to expand within the local area, council has recognised the need to extend Hutley Drive,” said Mr Truman.
“Council is encouraging all stakeholders to provide feedback throughout the EIS process to ensure the project achieves its objectives.
“Council wants to make sure that development in the area is in accordance with community expectations and in particular the provisions of the Lennox Head Community Aspirations Strategic Plan.”
Members of the public are invited to review the preliminary road concept design and talk with representatives about the design at the following locations:
DATE: Saturday 27 February 2010
TIME: 9:30am – 12:00pm
VENUE: Lillipilli Place Public Reserve – Cnr Lillipilli Place and Rainforest Way, Lennox Head.
DATE: Saturday 6 March 2010
TIME: 9:30am – 12:00pm
VENUE: Ross Park – Opp Post Office, Ballina Street, Lennox Head.
Static displays are also located at the Ballina and Lennox Head Libraries and Ballina Shire Council’s Customer Service Centre.
In addition to the proposed road design, preliminary investigations including surveying, geotechnical studies, flora and fauna, groundwater and cultural heritage studies are under way.
Over the next few months flora and fauna surveys will be repeated for the summer sampling period.
Following the display of the preliminary road concept design, council will consider the issues raised and will re-examine the design as necessary. Once this process is finalised the detailed EIS and road design will be submitted to the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water for assessment.
Public submissions will also be requested during this time.
For more information, contact Senior Community Engagement Consultant Leona Kelly SMEC P/L on 1800 738 539.
Information is also available via council’s website at ballina.nsw.gov.au
