Community involvement

Community consultation has been a key feature throughout the RTA’s development of the options and during the preparation of the environmental impact statement (EIS). This consultation will continue throughout the construction phase, and a community liaison group (CLG) has been established. The RTA and Baulderstone Hornibrook are committed to proactive community involvement and believe that informing stakeholders, and listening and responding to their concerns, is a crucial part of managing major projects.

The RTA and Baulderstone Hornibrook consider that positive community involvement benefits all parties through improved two-way communication, consultation and education. Baulderstone Hornibrook has developed a community involvement plan to document and manage the community liaison throughout the project. The community involvement plan is available for viewing at the community information centre.

Involvement activities

Community inquiry line 1800 857 633

A free telephone inquiry and information line has been established to receive community inquiries, questions and concerns. Inquiries are welcome at any time.

Community information centre

A community information centre has been established at the main site office at the Rock (Tea Gardens Pacific Highway Roadhouse). The office is staffed from 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday.

The information centre houses information about the project and has been established to allow community members to discuss the project with the Community Relations Manager or another member of the project team where appropriate. A number of documents are available for reference at the information centre.

The documents include:

The environmental impact statement (EIS), working papers and summary paper.
A set of the approval conditions.
The RTA Representations Report (EIS responses and recommended actions).
Construction environmental management plan.
Community involvement plan.

A range of other materials is also available, including:

Aerial and ground photographs of the upgrade.
General information about the upgrade.

Community liaison group

A community liaison group (CLG) has been established and meets regularly. The Group will provide a link between the project team and the community during the detailed design and construction phases. Members of this group will disseminate information to the community and bring feedback from the community to the project team. The group is involved in issues ranging from noise and traffic arrangements, signage, urban design and landscaping, and are kept informed about progress and upcoming activities.

The CLG community members are listed below:

Mr Trevor Cook	Myall Waterways Chamber of Commerce and Tourism
Dr Rex Filson	Great Lakes Wildlife Rescue and National Parks Association of NSW (Hunter Branch)
Mrs Bev Manton	Karuah Local Aboriginal Land Council
Mr John Whitehorn	Local businessperson
Mrs Christine McKinnon	Hawks Nest Tea Gardens Progress Association
Mr Peter Chappelow	North Arm Cove Residents Association
Mrs Enid Gentle	Karuah Tidy Towns, Parks, Reserves and Wetlands Committee
Mr Ken Milton	Tea Gardens Lions Club
Mr Ron Pevitt	Karuah Progress Association

Mr David Bone, appointed as the Environmental Management Representative on the project by the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources, is also a member of the CLG. Great Lakes Council, Port Stephens Council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service are also represented.

Progress updates

Details of the progress of the project are advertised in local newspapers on a three monthly basis. All ads placed to date can be seen in the Community Information section of this website.

Letterbox drops

Where a particular activity is planned that may have some effect on local residents, the information is distributed to those residents affected by the works in a community notice and
placed on local community notice boards. The notices include details of the activity, timing and duration of the activity as well as contact details.

Community newsletters

Community Update Newsletters are prepared and distributed at key stages of the project. All newsletters are placed on the Community information section of this website.

Traffic alerts

Changes to local traffic conditions or other activities that may affect residents are advertised in local newspapers to advise motorists and local residents of possible delays and road deviations. All advertisements can be seen in the Traffic arrangements section of this website.

Project website

This project website contains useful information about the project and will be updated throughout the project. Should you wish to make contact with us about the website or find out more about the project, or be included on a contacts database, please go to the Feedback page and enter your information there.