Council plays a role in road, traffic and pedestrian safety by installing any necessary traffic signs and pedestrian and traffic facilities, such as pedestrian refuges and roundabouts. When a scheme involving traffic control is proposed to Council, the advice of the Traffic Advisory Committee must be taken into consideration. In particular the  must approve the installation of any regulatory sign or device (for example parking restrictions and pedestrian refuges) and can also recommend the installation of warning signs where it is deemed they are required.  For further information on these issues refer to the following:

When assessing the need for road and intersection improvements, the reported accident history is evaluated to determine the existing accident problems. This includes looking at the adjacent road network when applications for new developments are being assessed.  This ensures that as a result of the development, road safety is not made worse and where possible, improved.  The reported accident history is an important criteria in determining the need for and priority of road and intersection improvements.  When a community member raises safety concerns, Council Officers assess the reported accident history at the site over a period of many years to determine the extent of the problem.

In many cases the matter will be reported to Council's Traffic Advisory Committee, which consists of representatives from Council, the Elected State Member, the Police and the RTA.

If you feel that a section of road or an intersection is dangerous due to its design or the number of vehicles and/or pedestrians, submit your concerns in writing to Council. You will need to provide your contact details, along with specific information regarding the location of the problem. 

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Funding for more major traffic facilities is sought from State and Federal Government.  Where a reported traffic accident history exists, application for funding is made through the Federal Blackspot Program.  Traffic and pedestrian facilities that have been funded from this program include the traffic calming scheme in Little Street, Forster and the traffic signals at the intersection of MacIntosh Street / Lake Street, Forster. The NSW State Government provides funding for areas with high pedestrian activity.  The pedestrian traffic signals in Manning Street, Tuncurry were funded through this State Government program.

Other major road and intersection upgrading is financed through levies on new development (Section 94 contributions).  Council has Section 94 plans detailing the future plan of road improvements and the levies to be made on new development.  The roundabouts at both ends of Breese Parade, Forster were financed from these Section 94 contributions.

If you would like Council to consider installing a traffic or pedestrian facility, you must submit a written request to Council.  You will need to provide your contact details, along with specific information regarding the possible location of the facility. 

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Speed limits are determined by the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) only and all requests concerning speed limits should be forwarded directly to the Roads and Traffic Authority.  However, generally:

Urban Streets

The general urban speed limit of 50 km/h applies in urban streets.  Urban streets are generally those streets with residential properties on urban size blocks fronting the road and/or have the presence of urban street lights. Normally the urban 50 km/h speed limits are not signposted.

Rural Roads

The normal rural speed limit is 100 km/h.  On lower standard sealed rural roads the RTA may consider setting lower speed limits (for example 80 km/h).  Generally speed limits and advisory speed signs are not installed on unsealed rural roads.

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Council's Traffic Advisory Committee deals with traffic issues in relation to Development Applications and general traffic issues within the Great Lakes Council area. The Committee is made up of formal and informal members. The formal members have one vote each at the Committee meetings and consist of the following representatives:

Formal Voting on Development Application Items

• Great Lakes Council representative (Chairperson)
• Police Service representative
• Roads & Traffic Authority (RTA) representative

Formal Voting on General Traffic Items

• Great Lakes Council representative (Chairperson)
• Police Service representative
• Roads & Traffic Authority (RTA) representative
• Local Member of State Parliament

It should be noted that the final decision to implement a traffic control facility recommended by the Traffic Advisory Committee rests with the Council (not the Committee). However if Council resolves to proceed with a proposal contrary to the advice of the Committee, then Council is required to notify the Police and RTA of its decision. If the Police or RTA decide to appeal Council's decision then the matter will be considered by the Regional Traffic Committee, which meets in Newcastle.

Development Application Items

Development Applications expected to have traffic implications are referred to the Traffic Advisory Committee where advice is given to Council.  Member voting rights in relation to Development Application items are outlined above.  Major traffic generating developments are referred directly to the Regional Development Committee which is formed as required under the chairmanship of the RTA in Newcastle.

General Traffic Items- Requests from Members of the Public

Should you have a request for a traffic or pedestrian management facility that you would like to be considered by Council's Traffic Advisory Committee, submit your request in writing to Council outlining the specific details of your request.  Upon a request prior to the meeting, members of the public have an opportunity to address the Committee before the matter is discussed at the meeting.  For further information please contact Council.

Meeting Dates

The Traffic Advisory Committee usually meets once every two months in the Council Chambers, Breese Parade, Forster.  If you would like to know when the next Traffic Advisory Committee meeting is to be held, please contact Council.

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