Decision to Make a Submission

COUNCIL held an extraordinary meeting this morning to consider making a submission to the Roads and Maritime Services on the bypass and rail overpass proposals.

The seven minute meeting resolved to make a submission to the RMS and lobby state and federal politicians about their concerns.

The submissions to the RMS closed on February 19, but Council requested an extension for their submission which was granted.

Council resolved to resubmit their 2013 plan with some slight modifications.

Approximately ten members of the public attended the meeting, with some surprised by the brevity of the meeting.

Michael Smith said he didn’t like the Council’s option for the overpass or the RMS’.

“I don’t like any of the proposals for the overpass, the rail bridge at Kelly Street will impact the park and it will stop traffic from Muffet Street,” he said.

“The t-intersection looks dangerous and they could have a road from the west going down Forbes street so heavy vehicles don’t have to use it; the turning there is restricted,” he said.

“I just don’t know they are addressing all of the issues,” he said.

Councillor Watts said it was important to remember the purpose of the works was for emergency services.

“Originally this was from a feasibility study for emergency services to access the other side of town and the RMS seems completely focused on the bypass,” said Cr Watts.

“I also think it is important to take the trucks of Kelly Street; Elizabeth Park needs to be maintained and thee homes there need to be able to access their driveways,” she said.

“There also needs to be data on the flying fox population, this should be investigated by the RMS before any designs are finalised,” said Lee Watts.

Cr Peebles said she was concerned about safety issues and “having the overpass against the bypass initially.”

Cr Campbell said the RMS does not seem to understand getting heavy vehicles into the industrial area is important and it has not been addressed by the RMS.

“They have lost sight of what the purpose of this was,” said Cr Campbell.

“We need to make sure we are bringing people into Scone,” he said.

Cr Driscoll said she was concerned there were not proper entrances coming into the town.

Cr Bishop said he supported what the previous Councillors had said and wanted to lobby relevant Ministers.

Cr Fisher said he would reiterate what he had said in the earlier meeting, which was he agreed a delegation should be sent to meet the Minister, which should include the Chamber of Commerce and Emergency Services.

Mayor Wayne Bedggood was an apology as was Councillor Michael Johnsen.

Late Note

While Council required an extension to make a submission to the RMS it has chosen to resubmit the 2013 plan.

Since the RMS released their options Council has not held open community consultation of their own, or been able to present their proposal to the community.

However, Council said they have spoken with “specific groups such as emergency services and the chamber of commerce” and feel their submission is “reflective of the community’s view from our perspective.”

The meeting agenda can be viewed on the Council’s website.