Lismore’s Holey Roads Are Not a Blessing
By Samantha Elley
Kelly Fontanella was on a mission to buy a new puppy from a Lismore owner when she sadly met with a massive pothole on Wyrallah Road two weeks ago.
“We live at Coramba out the back of Coffs Harbour and were on our way to purchase a puppy,” she said.
“We have a 4WD at home but didn’t think it was necessary so we took the Mini Cooper to save petrol money.”
Ironically, the damage done to the small car when it hit the gaping pothole has cost her and her wife thousands of dollars.
“We were driving through Woodburn in the 100 zone but it was so dark I kept it at 80,” Kelly said.
“We didn’t see the pothole as there was no warning or markings, absolutely nothing.
“There was a massive bang of the car as it wasn’t just the tyre exploding.”
Unfortunately, Mini Coopers don’t come with spare tyres and Kelly found herself in pitch blackness, literally stranded.
“A very big,noisy chevy ute turned up with three blokes,” said Kelly.
“These men helped us out.
“What beautiful local people there are as they got a car trailer and got us into Lismore.
“I especially want to do a big shout out to Ben Hull as he ‘s got a trucking company.
“Ben and his friend drove us to a hotel in Lismore where we stayed and we were able to put our claim through to the insurance company.”
The result of hitting the pothole was a burst tyre, a bent rim and damaged CV joints.
When Kelly called Lismore City Council to advise of the pothole, she was told she’d have to prove the pothole had been there for three months as the council has three months to get it fixed.
“I asked her for the relevant forms to be able to fill them in and she still hasn’t gotten back to me,” said Kelly
“I posted the pothole on a Lismore Facebook page and had over 400 comments, some of them really sad stories of their experience with the same pothole.”
The Northern Rivers Times has put a request into the Director for Roads at Lismore City Council to clarify the three month turnaround.
A spokesperson for Lismore City Council has confirmed the pothole on Wyrallah Road has been patched.
The spokesperson also confirmed, while council staff don’t always know where the potholes are, they appreciate the assistance of residents informing them.
To report potholes residents can call (02) 6625 0500 with details of the specific location including road name and suburb.
Email council@lismore.nsw.gov.au with details of the specific location including road name suburb, and photos.
Submit online by logging a Road Maintenance request through the Lismore City Council website. (Through using the search bar, or this is the direct link: https://www.lismore-nsw.altitudelg.com/e-services/crm/selectCategory.do?key_num=478&nodeNum=148596&nodeNum=148596)
