While the Toose Road landslip site remains unstable and dangerous, Kempsey Shire Council is committed to delivering a permanent and safe route linking Toose Road and Armidale Road.
A third geotechnical study concluded that repairing the slip site may be possible; however, Council engineers and technical experts from Transport for NSW reviewed the study and determined that the proposed solution is not a reasonable or feasible option.
This is due to the ongoing instability of the slip, the risk this will pose to workers during construction and road users after construction, as well as the costs to temporarily reinstate the road, which could slip at any time.
These works for alternative access are also unlikely to fit within the eligibility criteria of the Commonwealth-State Government’s Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Given these risks and cost factors, Council will continue to work with impacted residents to deliver the preferred permanent solution through a bridge crossing over the Macleay River connecting Toose Road to Armidale Road.
Council is in the process of making this happen, with discussions between landowners for land acquisitions taking place.
Residents and motorists should follow all directions at locations impacted by the slip and never remove signage or safety barriers in place. The temporary 4WD track in place connecting Fifes Creek Road to Toose Road will remain when the permanent solution is being constructed.
Work to deliver the permanent solution at Toose Road is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Community meeting
Residents impacted by the Toose Road landslip are invited to meet with Council and Transport for NSW staff, who will provide details on the third independent report and an update on developing the preferred permanent solution.
Details
Friday 15 September 2023
10am-11.30am
Bellbrook School of Arts Hall
52 Main Street, Bellbrook
