• Will the existing shared paths remain open during construction?

• Yes, the shared paths along Shoal Bay Road, Government Road, and behind the Holiday Park will remain open. There may be brief, temporary closures when we're working in these areas. We'll provide advance notice of these.

• What approval process has been undertaken for the project?

• This project has been approved under Part 5 Assessment of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. The environmental approval is detailed in the project's Review of Environmental Factors (REF). This document ensures that the project meets all environmental requirements.

• Where is parking available while the carpark is under construction?

• During construction, parking will be limited. We recommend using existing on-street parking in and around Shoal Bay. Please allow extra time to find parking during this period.

• How will traffic be managed in and around Shoal Bay during the construction period?

• Our contractor will manage traffic and pedestrian flow to minimise disruption. We'll be responsive to community feedback and make adjustments as needed. If you have concerns, please let us know.

• Will the access road out of the Shoal Bay Holiday Park remain open during construction?

• Yes, the access road will generally remain open for exiting vehicles only (no entry available from Government Road). There may be short periods when vehicles will need to use the Shoal Bay Road exit within the Holiday Park. We'll notify the Holiday Park management in advance of any planned closures.

• Why are trees being removed?

• To maximise the parking and in consideration of efficient traffic flow, the layout requires the removal of all invasive species and 5 of the native tree’s. Important to note is that it isn’t only the location of tree trunks that need to be considered, but also the extent of their structural root zone.

  There are 28 mature tree’s on the current site, of which only 6 are non-invasive (ie natives).

  We will be replanting 8 advanced stock native trees as part of the extensive landscaping plan.

• There are native trees being removed. What controls are in place for this to occur?

• We understand the importance of our natural environment. To minimise impact, we're implementing strict controls as outlined in the project's REF. These include:

  • Installing 2 nest boxes for every tree hollow lost.
  • Having a qualified ecologist conduct a pre-clearance survey within 48 hours of tree removal.
  • Using tree agitation to encourage wildlife to move.
  • Carefully dismantling tree hollows and having them inspected by an ecologist.
  • Relocating any found fauna according to our Unexpected Finds Procedure.
• What species of trees will be planted?

• We'll be planting mature native trees suited to the site conditions. The exact species will depend on nursery availability at the time of construction.

• What has been the outcome of the Aboriginal heritage investigations at the site?

• Archaeological investigations confirmed the presence of Aboriginal artefacts. We've obtained an Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit from Heritage NSW and will continue to work closely with Aboriginal stakeholders throughout the project.

• What parking provisions are included in the upgrade?

• The upgraded car park will provide 96 regular parking spaces, 4 accessible parking spaces, and 5 motorcycle parking spaces.

• There is an existing Telstra public phone located adjacent the carpark on Government Road. Will this be impacted?

• The Telstra phone will remain. It will be temporarily out of service while the underground cables are rerouted.

• What are the hours of operation for construction works?

• Construction will take place between 7am and 6pm on weekdays and 8am and 1pm on Saturdays. There will be no work on Sundays or at night.

• How has public safety been considered in the upgrade?

• Public safety is a priority. We're installing new lighting, CCTV cameras, and have conducted a thorough Safety in Design process. For example, the 45-degree parking bays are positioned to minimize the risk of vehicles reversing into the pedestrian crossing.

• What process will Council undertaken to select the construction contractor?

• We'll select the construction contractor through a public tender process in line with Council's procurement guidelines. This ensures fairness and value for money. We'll evaluate tenders based on a defined selection criteria and choose the one that provides the best overall value.

Bernie Thompson car park and playground access

• Will the Bernie Thompson carpark be accessible during construction?
• Unfortunately, no. The Bernie Thompson car park will be used by the construction team for essential site facilities, material storage, and equipment parking during the works.
• Will the Bernie Thompson playground remain open during construction?

• Yes, the playground will remain open. We'll have protective fencing around the construction site to ensure everyone's safety.

• Will the Bernie Thompson carpark be upgraded as part of the project?

• No, the Bernie Thompson carpark isn’t included in this upgrade. It will remain as it currently is.