However traffic impact surveys conducted by the RTA determined that should land releases in Tea Gardens or Hawks Nest increase traffic to the area a flyover may be established before the 10 year estimate is up.

In a letter to council, manager for infrastructure development, Colin Nunn said if the releases did impact the “timing of this proposed future upgrade, then a contribution towards the cost of providing the upgrade would be required”.

“The RTA will require the developer to enter into a Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) should a contribution towards designated State road infrastructure be required,” he said.

Developers that could be hit with a VPA are those awaiting rezoning of their land for residential release which include areas in Hawks Nest North, Shearwater and Myall River Downs.

Land owner of the Myall River Downs, Crighton Properties CEO Geoff Cox said if developers are forced to provide funding for state government infrastructure land costs will rise in the new areas.

“It will start to impact upon affordability of living in the area. People won’t be able to afford to buy land or homes and will move to other states.”

Cr Len Roberts said the community is calling for a resolution on the matter.

“Either its needed now or its not needed. So on the one hand they are saying it’s not needed for another 10 years but on the other hand are saying they could bring it forwards earlier,” he said.

“People would like a flyover sooner rather than later both for the economic and safety reasons, as it is cheaper to build now than it will be in 10 years.”

The RTA’s last application to fund the project was abandoned in 2007 after the state budget couldn’t accommodate for the $16 million project.