The streamlined procurement process is in place for the design and environmental approvals to ensure project funding milestones can be achieved.

The road sealing was confirmed as an election promise by Oxley MP and then Roads Minister Melinda Pavey and Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams.

A subsequent joint funding application under the newly announced Fixing Local Roads Program secured $17 million for the road sealing project.

Now Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has turned its attention to the design and environmental approvals phase.

A report to the council's October 21 meeting said a typical open tender approach was considered unsuitable given the timeframe.

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The council will use the procurement strategy to seek quotes from consultants under the Local Government Procurement Professional Services Panel for the project's design and environmental approvals.

Northside Progress Association president Kingsley Searle said they were happy with the procurement approach as it was keeping the project on track.

"Residents can't wait for it to be done," he said about the upgrade.

"It will change their lives."

Maria River Road runs through Port Macquarie-Hastings and Kempsey Shire local government areas.

The 25 kilometre unsealed stretch of the road, with numerous sharp bends and a fluctuating condition, is well known for safety concerns.

The council report said the council's procurement approach for the design and environmental approvals would involve seeking quotes from the Local Government Procurement Professional Services Panel in lieu of an open tendering method.

The general manager will exercise the delegation to accept a quote.

Works will start under the contract to ensure project delivery deadlines can be met.

A further report will come back to a council meeting.

"The proposed procurement strategy utilising the LGP Professional Services Panel will reduce the procurement program by approximately three months when compared with the typical open tendering method," the council report said.

"This will allow council to expedite the completion of the pre-construction phase of the project and commence construction works sooner ensuring council can meet the deadlines for the project funding."