Overview

During the August 2025 Council meeting, School Leaders from across the Shire — including students from Kempsey Adventist School (KAS) and St Paul’s College — had the opportunity to present to Councillors on issues that matter most to them.

Kempsey Adventist School students focused their presentation on Road Safety and Getting Active, sharing thoughtful insights on Crescent Head Road and Rudders Lagoon. They shared ideas to improve safety, enhance connectivity, and encourage active travel in our community. Their presentation was well-researched, confident, and inspiring — and even explored potential grant funding opportunities.

The Kempsey Adventist School Leaders identified 5 main areas of concern:

1. Rudders Lagoon- there is currently no shoulder, forcing pedestrians to walk in the traffic lane to cross safely. Additionally, the road level at Rudders Lagoon is prone to flooding, which can lead to road closures. These flash floods significantly impact all users of Crescent Head Road.
2. The intersection of Angus McNeil Crescent and Lachlan St/ Macleay Valley Way South Kempsey and crossing to the pump track and residential areas of South Kempsey.
3. Speed zone change from 50km – 70km before the 40km school zone.
4. Installation of a crossing near the school as the only footpath across the Pacific motor way is on the opposite side to the school.
5. Pedestrian access and to the east of Kempsey Adventist School, to the end of the 70km zone, connecting new subdivisions.

Currently, the infrastructure and pathways available to students at Kempsey Adventist School do not match the facilities provided at other schools in the Kempsey Shire, as identified by the school leaders. Council is now looking to apply for the Get NSW Active grant and is seeking community feedback on these issues and public use of this area.

Map of the area to be considered

The map below shows the current focus area:

Your feedback will help Council support the Kempsey Adventist School leaders who have raised these important safety and connectivity issues. By sharing your thoughts, you can help shape future improvements and guide Council’s Get NSW Active grant application. Your input will also support funding submissions under State and Federal Active Transport and Road Safety programs — helping make our community safer and more accessible for everyone, especially local students.

Have your say and make a submission

You and our community are encouraged to provide feedback.

Submissions can be made by completing the online survey (below) or by email to ksc@kempsey.nsw.gov.au, handed into our customer service counter or mailed to:

The Chief Executive Officer

Kempsey Shire Council

PO Box 3078

West Kempsey NSW 2440

The feedback period for this project closes, close of business Wednesday 3 December 2025.