UPDATE: Residents of South West Rocks are escalating their demands for the completion of kerb and gutter works, a project that has been pending for nearly 50 years. In a passionate plea to the Kempsey Shire Council, community members have expressed their frustration over the ongoing delays and the impact on their safety and property.
As of October 20, 2025, only a portion of the kerb and gutter work has been completed on Ocean Street, leaving residents to navigate hazardous conditions. Ann, a long-time resident who wishes to remain anonymous, revealed, “I have been raising this issue since 2019. It’s unacceptable that after all these years, we are still left waiting.” The lack of proper infrastructure has led to significant water pooling during rainfall, making access to homes difficult and raising safety concerns for pedestrians.
Residents have reported that they often have to park on the road surface due to the water accumulation in front of their properties, with some driveways becoming impassable. Paul, another resident, noted, “Every spring, I have to bring in road base just to access my garage. The situation worsens with every rainstorm, and it’s frustrating.”
The community has received mixed signals from the council regarding the timeline for the project. Ann disclosed that she received verbal assurances in mid-2024 that funding was being positively considered for the 2025/26 financial year. However, a subsequent letter dated November 18, 2024, stated that the kerb and gutter installation was not included in the council’s ten-year works program. This inconsistency has only fueled residents’ frustration.
“After seeing our rates increase by about $400 this year, we expect to see improvements in our infrastructure,” Ann emphasized. The rising costs alongside stagnant progress have left many community members feeling overlooked.
In an official statement, a spokesperson for the Kempsey Shire Council acknowledged the residents’ concerns, stating, “We recognize the issues facing Ocean Street and are committed to maintaining existing assets. However, funding for new infrastructure is limited and must be carefully allocated.” The spokesperson assured that the kerb and gutter work would be reviewed during the annual assessment of the ten-year works program, considering available resources and competing priorities.
Residents are growing increasingly impatient as they witness ongoing natural disasters and weather events affecting their community. Ann and others have called for a clear timeline and commitment from the council to finally complete the kerb and gutter works.
The urgency of this matter is clear: as rainfall continues to pose risks and create difficult living conditions, the community of South West Rocks is demanding immediate action from their local government. With ongoing conversations and community engagement, residents are hopeful that their calls for action will not go unanswered.
Stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops.
