MACKAS Sand, of which mayor Bruce MacKenzie is a director, has the support of the Department of Planning to change its sand removal access route from the controversial Stockton Bight Track to one of the Port's main thoroughfares, Nelson Bay Road.
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It is the second last step in the process as the matter is before the NSW Planning Assessment Commission (PAC), an independent body, which will decide whether or not the route will go ahead.
But not all are happy with the Department of Planning's (DoP) recommendation, with Port Stephens councillor Geoff Dingle still concerned the new track will cause significant safety and traffic concerns.
Lodged in November, the new access route would put the Stockton Bight Track and Lavis Lane route on the backburner.
It comes six months after Port Stephens Council rescinded a decision to acquire land from the Towers family of Williamtown to build the Stockton Bight Track.
The original acquisition landed the council in the Land and Environment Court after the Towers family claimed the payment did not cover an agreement they allege they had with Mackas Sand for use of their land. If approved the new intersection would come off Nelson Bay Road between the Paul's Corner and Williamtown roundabouts - about two kilometres west of Paul's Corner. It would include a left-turn only off Nelson Bay Road, along with acceleration and deceleration lanes. The project had support in principle from the Roads and Maritime Service (RMS) but was referred to the PAC because more than 25 objections were received during the public submission period.
Now despite strong opposition from residents and councillor Geoff Dingle, who attended a community meeting in January 31, the DoP has completed its assessment of the proposal, indicating its support for the project.
"The department and the RMS consider that the proposed intersection of the alternate access road and Nelson Bay Road can be constructed and operated safely," he said.
Cr Dingle hit back at the DoP recommendation that Nelson Bay Road was an arterial single-lane road essential for emergency service access to the ageing population at Nelson Bay.
"That's a load of rubbish," he said.
"If you have a truck accident along that road someone could die."
Due to the level of public interest in the proposal the PAC will be meeting to hear the public views on the department's assessment report.
The meeting is scheduled for 4pm on Thursday, September 19 at the Pacific Dunes Golf Club in Medowie. Those wanting to comment at the meeting must contact Rebeca Chungue on 9383 2112 by 1pm on Friday, September 13. For a copy of the DoP assessment, visit pac.nsw.gov.au.
