The mayors of each council, together with senior staff and other councillors, attended a residents forum at Lower Creek on Saturday, where the condition of the Armidale to Kempsey road was the leading topic.

“Our plan is to prepare a joint case for improving Kempsey Road which both councils can then use to advocate to our respective local members and the relevant Minister for additional funding,” Armidale mayor Simon Murray said.

“The major issue facing residents in Lower Creek is the condition of that road, particularly on the hill.

“Some residents have land up on the tablelands and movement of livestock is a big issue because only small-body trucks can negotiate the big hill.”

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Residents at the forum were told the councils would jointly prepare a case for improving the road, which can be hazardous because of its tight bends, steeply sloping verges and dirt surface for much of its length.

Armidale Regional Council councillors and senior staff inspected the road as part of a tour of Lower Creek on Saturday.

Kempsey Shire Council mayor Liz Campbell, its director corporate Stephen Mitchell and director operations Robert Fish were invited to attend as part of a growing emphasis by Armidale Regional Council to work more collaboratively with Kempsey and the other neighbouring local governments.

Councillor Murray said the Saturday’s tour was part of a focus on the councillors getting out to different parts of the shire.