Pressure is mounting on Temora council to come up with options for a heavy vehicle alternative route around the town.
The topic was raised in two separate sections of last week’s November council meeting, after Cr Anthony Irvine’s proposed a heavy vehicle route that would take in Loftus and Camp Streets.
A public forum on Thursday heard considerable opposition to Cr Irvine’s plan.
John Goode, who has lived in Polaris Street for 73 years, along with the proprietor of the proposed new Temora Brewery Adam Perry, both expressed their disdain over the plan.
They claimed the route would present a danger to drivers, elderly residents on gophers accessing the CBD, and children utilising the skatepark and nearby football oval and
said there would also be ramifications for established and up-and-coming businesses from increased heavy vehicle traffic.
Later in the meeting, councillors discussed the matter, with many voicing concerns over Cr Irvine’s proposal.
But Cr Irvine pointed out his intention was to kick start a conversation about the topic, noting he is open to other ideas.
However, he warned a decision needs to be made soon as he believes time is running out.
“The issue of heavy vehicle movements isn’t being addressed and we need to look at some solutions. My route is by no means the be-all and end-all. I’m open to other considerations,” Cr Irvine said.
“In the absence of taking any action, I fear Transport for NSW will allocate the major section of Hoskins Street to be the heavy vehicle route and the matter will end there.”
Cr Jason Goode pointed out the significant cost associated with creating a bypass around Temora.
“Singleton is working on an eight-kilometre bypass worth $700 million.
“That’s close to $100 million per kilometre. I can’t see the state or federal governments coming up with that money for us, especially with roads in NSW devastated by flooding.
“I agree with Cr Irvine. I don’t think we need to do a whole bypass. There are certain areas we can improve and incorporate.
“I also agree that if we don’t do something, Transport for NSW will not give us a choice and that will probably happen sooner rather than later.”
Cr Irvine cited other examples of similar projects occurring around the state, with each carrying hefty costs.
“There’s a bypass being built in Parkes at a value of $187 million. But that cost is now expected to climb,” he said.
“The Wallendbeen bridge, which doesn’t involve massive road upgrades, is worth around $30 million.
“The scale of a Temora bypass hasn’t been costed yet, but you have to expect it would be expensive. I still support the idea of a bypass but I just don’t think it’s a realistic option in the short to medium term.”
Cr Claire McClaren pointed out one bypass route currently in use is already proving treacherous.
“I have serious concerns for the route that goes from Cleverdons to the showground and down Ashelford Street.
“I’ve witnessed trucks coming from the north having to stop and move onto the wrong side of the road to get around cars.
“I’ve also seen near misses between trucks trying to go around one another.
“The trucks need a route to get to GrainCorp and the current routes just don’t work.
“There’s going to be an accident and when that happens, we really are going to have to do something about this,” she said.
The debate concluded when Cr Nigel Judd called for a motion to reserve further discussion until council holds a workshop early next year.
A date for that workshop is yet to be set.
