Floods and Christmas shutdowns have played havoc on Lake Cargelligo’s main street. However, after a three month delay, things are finally getting back to normal.

Lachlan Shire Council Director Infrastructure Services Adrian Milne said, “the good news is that works are now in full swing and we expect the project to be completed in July this year."

The planned redevelopment of Foster Street in Lake Cargelligo has been a hot topic with the community and Council has acknowledged and share their frustration.

Businesses along Foster Street were contacted by Western Plains App and said they had experienced no issues.

"The street was overdue to be upgraded," a spokesperson from the Lake Cargelligo IGA said.

"Customers walk out of here and their trolleys are on a slant. The main reason for delays in the upgrade has been the flooding but that has affected everyone. At one stage we had to get bread brought in by a helicopter."

The spokesperson said she had spoken to some of the contractors and learned many were from Dubbo and Coonamble.

"Because of the floods, they couldn’t even get into town to work at one stage. It hasn’t affected our business too much as the council have done the work in sections. At the end of the day it will be better for local businesses in the long run."

Staff at the Royal Mail Hotel were also positive about the process to revitalise the main street.

"It's not a problem for us," a spokesperson told the Western Plains App. "Things are going fine and it hasn’t really affected business at all.

The $2.8m redevelopment and tourism activation project jointly funded by Lachlan Shire Council, and the state and federal governments aims to enhance the appearance of the main street and make It more inviting.

The redevelopment includes upgrades to earthworks, drainage, kerb and footpath replacements, pavement reconstruction, intersection improvements and increased outdoor dining areas.

Mr Milne reported that the water main upgrades are now complete, and most stormwater pipework is finished, except for a section near the Royal Mail Hotel. Contractors have commenced new kerb and gutter works at the Lorne Street intersection.

Following the completion of kerb and gutter works, new pavers will be laid and road surface levelling will be undertaken. Additional trees of the same species as the existing variety will be planted along Foster Street.

Community feedback relating to increased dust in the main street has been received by council who acknowledges the concerns and have stated they will increase the use of the water truck and street sweeper to reduce the dust.

According to Lachlan Shire Council, the project timeline has experienced some setbacks, and the nature of works has caused some inconvenience however, the long-term benefits to Lake Cargelligo outweigh the negatives.

Going on feedback from Foster Street business staff, most locals agree with this sentiment.