The project involves a substantial release of land for future housing and industrial development sited directly in an area that would provide the shortest road connection between Marrangaroo and Clarence. 

The proposal would therefore pose major concerns for the future development of the western section of an expressway crossing of the Blue Mountains.

While the consultants provided an extensive list of issues relating to the project benefits, they failed to make any significant comments regarding the possibility of a major road corridor development in that locality.

In recent times a somewhat similar development situation was made by Bathurst Regional Council at Eglinton.

That experience again shows that there can be major problems associated with the way local government bodies can plan projects that have implications extending well beyond their council area.

These plans lack the wider regional community awareness campaigns essential for sound assessments.

A common problem often arising from these situations is the issue of town bypassing.

This evidence clearly shows that there is a need for a more effective planning framework that would include a wider, more comprehensive and independent examination of regional impacts.

Revision of current community consultation practices is needed to ensure that this responsibility is properly shared between State Planning, Roads and Maritime Services, local government and regional communities.

Highway developments are costly, but if done properly can have very substantial long-term regional benefits.

Planning projects of this kind should not be left to the local government bodies alone, but be subject to more formal investigative processes where evidence is carefully gathered, presented and recorded.

Such processes are even more necessary in situations where road user advocacy is at a very low level.

Currently there are no formally organised road user associations dedicated to dealing with highway development issues in the Central West.

Under present conditions it seems likely that the Great Western Highway will remain Australia’s oldest road problem for many years to come.

CHRISTMAS is a busy time for The Salvation Army.

Whilst the true meaning of the season is of peace, joy and hope, it’s a fact that hundreds of thousands of Australians find Christmas stressful and a financial nightmare.

The Salvation Army gives hope to those who need it most at Christmas by distributing thousands of food vouchers and hampers to people in need and providing gifts and toys to families in crisis.

I write to ask readers if they could join with us at The Salvation Army to give hope to those who need it most this Christmas. There are easy actions you can take that will genuinely make a world of difference.  

You can donate to the Salvos by calling 13 SALVOS (13 72 58).  Funds are desperately needed. You can also donate in person at any Westpac branch. Donations of new, quality gifts or non-perishable food items can be made at most Salvation Army centres. It’s best to call 13 SALVOS to find out how you can assist us in your local area, or check out salvos.org.au to find out how you can help.