What’s the AB Association been up to?
Our committee of nine has been keeping busy. Here’s a short rundown:
In the last month we have met with Council representatives three times, as well as with the state MP Adam Crouch. We have also been working with Gordon Reid, federal MP. We thank Adam and Gordon for their interest and support. Much of this update comes courtesy of Council.
Some of the items on our agenda include:
The proposed pathway from Heazlett Park to the roundabout at the Bowling Club. The Avoca Drive shared pathway project is currently partially funded at a budget of $6.2M, for the design and construction of Stage 1 and 2 between Scenic Highway roundabout and The Round Drive. Council is in the design stage now and we expect community consultation. Construction is currently slated for 2025/26 to 2027/28. The pathway will be on the residential side of Avoca Drive.
On Stage 3, between The Round Drive and Heazlett Park, Council tells us they are actively seeking funding to deliver this stage. After meeting with Gordon Reid we are hoping for federal funding as an election commitment.
Other Roadworks
We are also actively seeking a safe, shared pathway on Cape Three Points Rd from Ridgway Rd to Cabbage Tree, a dangerous section of road. Council and our 2 MPs are onside and exploring funding options. We note that Road Renewal is due in this area with $331,000 allocated for pavement upgrade works.
Council also tells us it plans Road Renewal – on Avoca Drive from House Number 171 to Cape Three Points Road roundabout – Avoca Beach. This is the village shopping centre asphalt resurfacing program with an overall budget of $3,300,000.
The Landslip. $1,903,879 in pending Grant funding for Natural Disaster remediation works on the embankment at the landslip site in the vicinity of the Avoca Beach CBD precinct. (on South side of the village). We hope this will be the end of the temporary pedestrian crossing and the barriers taking up car parking spaces. Wishful thinking?
Lookout Renewal – Warren Avenue – Avoca Beach $100,000 for demolition of the existing viewing platform structure. Community consultation will be undertaken to determine the level of demand for replacement. We will lobby for this.
Toilet Block in Ficus Ave. Council is developing a Public Toilet Strategy which aims to identify and strategize improvements in toilet facilities across the coast. We are informed the replacement of the toilets within Ficus Avenue would be of some priority and considered for replacement within 2-3 years. Council say it will involve an in-depth consultation with the community. This should be of interest to the Boardriders Club.
Finally, a frustration for many locals - South End Park – $35,000 has been allocated by Council for design costs associated with the wider upgrade project for this precinct. This includes the south end car park upgrade; trunk drainage upgrade; Burns Road upgrade; community shelter located east of the car park (tables and benches); landscaping; shared pathway on the southern side of Burns Street; missing link footpath for Avoca Drive east and Vine Street; relocation of existing bus shelter east along Burns Street; and utilities. Once a concept design has been completed, community consultation will be undertaken, seeking feedback from the community. It’s a continuing saga, but essentially the drainage is costly but must be fixed first and then the road levels raised, before the car park is finalised. We wait with bated breath.
Meanwhile, temporary work on the puddles and potholes was due to start on June 11th.
Steve Fortey