The City of Coffs Harbour is responsible for managing and maintaining a road network comprising approximately 792 kilometres of sealed roads, and 95 kilometres of unsealed roads. This network provides an essential public service to the community and continues to grow.
Due to finite operational capacity and financial resources, it is not reasonably practicable for the City of Coffs Harbour to manage every road within this network to the same standard. Further the City of Coffs Harbour recognises that potential hazards to road users, resulting in public liability claims or injuries, places a significant burden on the community. Consequently, it is the ethical duty of the City of Coffs Harbour to apply a risk-based management approach to maintaining the road network in a way that minimises these potential hazards.
The purpose of this policy is to communicate and document the City of Coffs Harbour’s risk management approach to the maintenance of the road network. The policy, in combination with related operational procedures, is based on a systematic and objective method of identification, evaluation and prioritisation of maintenance works to assist in objective decision-making and in annual budget formulation. The aim of this policy is to minimise public liability exposure and provide best value service to the community in relation to the provision of road infrastructure services. The policy should be read in conjunction with the City of Coffs Harbour's Asset Management Policy, Asset Management Strategy, Transport Asset Management Plan and Long-Term Financial Plan.