George Downes Drive at Bucketty is in superb condition compared to Wollombi Road between Millfield and Cedar Creek Road. Yet it scores $1.7 million!

This historic road now is in the worst condition ever since 1832, when convict built.

Many people from Wollombi district travel to the Central Coast to spend their shopping dollars - instead of in closer Cessnock. Obviously, the extra time and running costs outweigh the cost of damage to car body suspension and tyres.

Having $43 million dollars in capital works funding is ideal for Mayor Pynsent to consider the road construction and maintenance policy in New Zealand, and also Tasmania.

The Lange Labour Government in New Zealand realised that the shortcoming of councils was in roading. Putting all roading (construction and maintenance) to private contract tender (with rigid specifications and warranty) for each LGA received the support of the unions.

The successful tenderer was required to take on the existing roading workforce. Council workers pay rates and prefer to travel on good roads too. They relished the opportunity to be able to take pride in their work as well.

End result - not a pothole to be found in the length of New Zealand, and Tasmania is the same.

I previously sent details of Fulton Hogan's roading contract with South West Auckland LGA to Mayor Pynsent. With the extra funding now granted, sale of plant and borrowing at current low interest rates makes adoption of the successful roading policy of New Zealand and Tasmania very desirable and easily implemented.

Such would be a marvellous and memorable legacy for any retiring mayor.