The long and sometimes frustrating process of Major Projects
Published on 04 October 2022
Last week’s opening of the South Kempsey Pressure Sewer Scheme provided a moment of reflection on just how significant the process of delivering major projects is for our Shire Community. As cliché as it sounds, the classic saying of ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’ came to mind.
This $3.6 million scheme has delivered an industry-best practice sewerage network to connect the South Kempsey Industrial Area and Employment Lands Hub to the South Kempsey system.
It first became a reality in 2019 when funding was received from the NSW Government to jointly fund this project with Council and community who will benefit from the scheme.
You might be wondering what the holdup was on getting this project completed, given 2019 was three years ago.
Like many projects that are significant, the steps involve planning approvals, environmental assessments, and licencing from multiple levels of government. These processes are outside Council control.
It is understandable that the community becomes frustrated with how long projects take, particularly when funding announcements can receive significant publicity.
Finding a community need is the starting point for all major projects. Whether it is an idea from the community, Councillors, a result of changing legislation or a requirement of the business community, the community need is the first link that starts a chain of expectations.
In recent years, increasing efforts have been made to keep the community informed on the status of major projects and explain the approvals needed. Council’s major projects section of the website is a great reference point.
Police Remembrance Day
Last Thursday I attended the Police Remembrance Service at Port Macquarie. It was a solemn and appropriate event to reflect on the service and sacrifice of the Police Force’s women and men.
I recalled the black days of sadness in our community after the murders of Senior Constable Peter Addison and Senior Constable Robert Spears at Crescent Head, 27 years ago in July 1995. We shall remember them and all other members for their essential role in making our community safe.