Greening Bathurst says future Hereford Street plans must go beyond cars

Last month, Bathurst councillor Warren Aubin conceded the first stage of upgrades to Hereford Street, including a flood-proof bridge and four lanes all the way to Gilmour Street, is likely three years away, with a final design expected to be presented to council in November.

But Greening Bathurst secretary Hugh Gould said he would like to see pedestrian and bicycle options considered in the planning process.

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"We already have footpaths on either side of Hereford Street and we have the space to create a purpose built, tree-shaded bicycle track," Mr Gould said.

"This can be done immediately, or indeed planned for, if and when a new bridge and roadway is built in the future."

Mr Gould also highlighted council's plans to expand parking facilities for Hereford Street's sporting complexes, and how they could prove useful outside weekend sport.

"Perhaps council could create and encourage a scheme of 'park and ride', linking it to a regular free bus service, or more of us could be encouraged to walk to our work places from the Hereford Street car park when it eventuates," he said.

"Our council should recognise the benefits to all in the community who can, walk, ride or use alternative modes of transport, not only along Hereford Street but elsewhere in the city."

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Council has implemented a 'park and ride' service from Hereford Street in the past for events such as last year's Sir Elton John concert and the weekend this year where the Royal Bathurst Show and the NRL match were both on.

Other suggestions by Greening Bathurst include traffic lights for the Gilmour Street intersection, safe pedestrian crossings at both the Gilmour and Stanley Street intersections and more parkland on both sides of Hereford Street.

"A four-lane roundabout, as possibly planned, to speed vehicular traffic would make for a nightmare crossing of the often busy Gilmour Street, for those using foot or pedal to cross the flood plain and for those using the local church or shopping centre," Mr Gould said.

"Whatever the outcome, it will require us as citizens to collectively rethink and adjust in the interim, as we have done in adjusting to having seemingly permanent water restrictions."

Stage one of the Hereford Street upgrade is estimated to cost $50 million, and Bathurst MP Paul Toole indicated last week that council would have to "commit some serious dollars" to the project before any state government funding could be considered.

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