The submissions received following the announcement of the preferred route, for the Macksville to Urunga section of the highway have been considered by the RTA. Key issues raised in the submissions included property, access, noise, flooding, Aboriginal heritage and social impacts. The submissions included proposals for alternative routes to the east of Option 2a. These proposals were assessed against the preferred route. Although the alternative route options had lower property and residential impacts (including noise) than the preferred route, they also:

• Provided poorer road safety and transport efficiency.
• Had greater impacts on rural activities and flora and fauna.
• Had greater constructability issues and potential flooding impacts due to the longer crossings of the Nambucca River floodplain downstream of Macksville.
• Cost more and provided less value for money.

The assessment concluded that the preferred route announced in November 2005 provides the best overall balance between functional, economic, ecological and social considerations.

More information is contained in the Macksville to Urunga Preferred Route Submissions Report.

The submissions received following the display of the Draft Warrell Creek Review Report in September 2007 have been considered and have assisted in the selection and design of the preferred route. More information can be accessed at the Warrell Creek preferred route page.