Nearly $2.4 million will be spent on future-proofing access to the Port Macquarie airport during flood events.
Mayor Adam Roberts said the move will ensure the airport can provide “critical emergency services, medical flights and essential operations” during natural disasters.
The problem: Parts of the only access route to the airport, Boundary Street, can become impassable in flood events.
Port Macquarie councillor Nik Lipovac told the Mid North Coaster the road can be “blocked unless you've got a jet ski”.
“Sometimes an emergency vehicle or four wheel drive will be able to get through, but someone trying to catch a plane, they're stuffed in a regular sedan.”
The solution: The federal government and the local council will both chip in $1.185 million to construct an additional, “flood-protected” access road to the airport.
The 800-metre sealed road will connect Boundary Street and nearby street The Binnacle.
The alternative access road will have drainage, fencing, lockable gates and road safety signage and will be open when the existing route is not able to be driven.
Construction is expected to take two years.