FAQs

The Road Management Policy sets out how Council manages and maintains its road network, including how decisions are made about inspections, repairs, and upgrades.

The City is proposing to introduce this policy to:

• Provide a more consistent and transparent approach
• Ensure decisions are risk-based and defensible
• Better manage limited funding across a large road network

Key changes include:

• Moving to a risk-based maintenance approach
• Consolidating several existing policies into one
• Clarifying how unmade roads are managed

The City Of Coffs Harbour manages:

• Around 792 km of sealed roads
• Around 95 km of unsealed roads

Due to funding and resource limitations, it is not feasible to maintain all roads equally, so work is prioritised based on:

• Risk to users
• Road function (e.g. arterial vs local)
• Usage levels

It means:

• Roads are classified based on importance and usage
• Higher-risk or higher-use roads are inspected and maintained more frequently
• Resources are directed where they provide the greatest safety benefit

Not necessarily.

The policy does not automatically upgrade roads - it:

• Sets out how decisions are made
• Ensures upgrades are considered based on: 
  • Need
  • risk
  • available budget

Unmade roads are roads that exist legally, but have not been constructed or brought up to full standard

Under the new policy:

• They are generally classified as “4WD Access Only” 

Legal advice indicates that previous approaches:

• Did not fully protect the City from liability

The new policy:

• Provides a clearer and more defensible framework
• Aligns with legislation and best practice

Not automatically. Upgrades will depend on:

• Funding availability
• Demand and use
• Strategic priorities

Some unmade roads may remain as 4WD access only.

The City uses a mix of:

• Reactive maintenance (fixing defects as they arise)
• Preventative maintenance (planned renewals and upgrades)

Yes — inspection frequency will be:

• Based on road classification and risk
• Set at minimum levels under the policy

Residents can expect:

• More consistent decisions
• Greater transparency about priorities
• A focus on safety and efficient use of funds

The City is seeking community feedback before making a final decision.

This ensures:

• Community views are considered
• The policy is transparent and accountable

Members of the public can:

• Review the policy during the exhibition period
• Make a written submission to Council

After exhibition:

• Submissions are reviewed
• The policy may be amended if needed
• Council will decide whether to adopt the policy