WELL, it's official: The fourth report in 21 years on a solution for the Mitre, Lambert and Suttor streets intersection is in and the conclusion provided by an independent engineering firm specialising in traffic management vindicates the three previous reports’ findings that a roundabout is the best long-term solution.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
So I wonder what will be the response from the five self-proclaimed engineer councillors who voted recently for “something”?
Well, report number four says “something” should be a roundabout so, politically, the smart solution would be to get on with it. Let’s start building so the McNabs can finally lead a peaceful retirement.
The dollars and sense of water restrictions debate
COUNCILLOR Monica Morse - clearly channelling Dr Tim Flannery who claimed a few years ago that Sydney’s water reservoirs would never fill again – made an equally melodramatic statement along those lines last week when calling for water restrictions to be set in place.
Cr Morse suggested it might not rain again and while I guess that is possible, all farmers know that every dry day brings us one day closer to rain.
And it did rain just two days later, debunking Cr Morse’s theory promptly.
True, that rain didn't fill Ben Chifley Dam but the director of corporate and financial services would have looked rather glumly at Cr Morse’s recommendation for water restrictions as he’s in the business of selling water, not saving it.
Two footpaths right where no-one lives
I RECEIVED a call from an elderly West Bathurst resident blowing up about the footpath being constructed on the western side of Bradwardine Road, from Suttor Street to the Mitchell Highway.
Not many residents blow up about footpaths being built but their issue was why would both sides of Bradwardine Road get a two-metre wide footpath and cycleway when in 60 years their street could not get one? Fair point.
The answer, I’m told by senior council staff, is that the councillors thought it was a good idea so residents could walk through the Living Legends tree avenue on both sides of the road.
I think the tree avenue is great and will be even better in 10 years as the trees mature but considering the usage of the eastern side footpath could only be described as “bugger all”, duplicating the footpath on the western side of the road at a cost of around $130,000 is a questionable use of ratepayers’ money.
Mobility swing plan is picking up momentum
A LOCAL foster mum has told me about the need for a mobility swing in Bathurst as currently she drives to Orange to use theirs.
Carenne School has one but it is not available outside of school hours. I forwarded the request to Cr Bourke.
Thumbs up
A GREAT crowd for the Panthers v Cowboys NRL match last Friday night despite winter weather setting in.
Thumbs down
DUPLICATING the footpath and cycleway on the western side of Bradwardine Road from Suttor Street to the Mitchell Highway. Few use the existing one.
