With residents still cut off in some rural parts of the region, MidCoast Council's immediate focus for roads is to re-establish access to these areas and ensure damaged roads and bridges can be safely used.
Council staff have been out inspecting the damage to the road network in the aftermath of last month's devastating floods; however, high water levels in certain areas are still preventing repair work.
Mayor Claire Pontin said this was the reason some residents remained isolated.
"We know we have residents in rural areas like Cundle Flat and along sections of Thunderbolts Way still cut off from the rest of the community," said Mayor Pontin.
"Emergency Services have been flying provisions into them so they're not at risk of running out of food or medical supplies, but unfortunately we can't re-establish access until the floodwaters recede and we're able to get machinery into these areas to rebuild roads."
Mayor Pontin said the flooding and intense rainfall caused extensive damage to the network, with staff encountering everything from destroyed bridges and dangerous landslips to widespread damage to the road's surface.
With so many areas affected, she called on the community to remain patient.
"We know there are a lot of potholes out there and we will get to them, but please understand that the roads in your area are not the only ones that have been damaged and it's important we prioritise access and safety first," she said.
Council has received a welcome boost to repair efforts this week, with Newcastle City Council sending up a road crew to help tackle potholes and other surface damage across the region. They have been working within the Old Bar area and will move to other urban areas shortly. This will allow MidCoast crews to focus on the most impacted parts of the road network.
Mayor Pontin was grateful for the support.
"We're very thankful to Newcastle City Council for sending up staff and being so willing to help out at this unfortunate time. I know the work the crew will get done will make a big difference and it allows us to focus on some of the more serious damage we know we have to address."
Mayor Pontin said the flood was obviously going to have an impact on Council's planned roads program, but updates would be provided to the community in the weeks and months ahead.
To report road issues in your area, please visit www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/report
To get the latest updates about roadwork across the region, visit www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/roads-hub
