Strong Numbers Encouraging

MORE than 60 people had attended the Roads and Maritime Services bypass consultation within the first hour yesterday afternoon.

Chamber of Commerce reviewing RMS plans: Jane Callinan vice-president, Ben Wyndham president, Ruth Hardy committee member and Teresa Herbert executive officer.

Ben Wyndham, president of the Scone Chamber of Commerce described the number of businesses which attended the bypass consultation session yesterday afternoon as excellent.

“The turn-out was excellent and we hope for the same number today,” said Mr Wyndham.

“I think people will go away from the session and have a lot to think about,” he said.

“There is a lot to consider and it is important we get this right,” Ben Wyndham said.

The main issues discussed were the northern and southern approaches of the bypass and the 100 kilometre speed limit.

Phil Davidson, project manager for the RMS said the approaches at the bypass were the safest design options and adding more turning options would decrease safety.

However, many questioned why the speed was 100 kilometres an hour at the approaches and not a safer speed of 80 kilometres an hour.

Daryl Dutton, former general manager of the Upper Hunter Shire Council, attended and as one of many people who questioned the speed.

“There are plenty of round-a-bouts in 80 kilometre zones, I don’t understand why they have to have 100 kilometres,” said Mr Dutton.

“It only takes about 30 seconds off in travel time and since transport companies are paid by the kilometre then they don’t mind.

“If there is nothing in it for the transport companies, but everything for the town then don’t have such a high speed,” he said.

“I still think the Kelly Street crossing in town is the way to go anyway,” Daryl Dutton said.

People attending the RMS consultation sessions for the bypass and rail overpass.

Ruth Hardy a committee member on the Chamber of Commerce said the infrastructure for the overpass was considerable and thought the Elizabeth Park option was inconceivable.

“People don’t realise the size of the infrastructure,” said Ms Hardy.

“The option around Elizabeth Park, I can’t even believe they are contemplating it, it’s dangerous think of all the splatter from cattle trucks going around it, with children and travellers using that space,” she said.

“It is the only green social spot, I can’t even understand why it is even suggested,” Ruth Hardy said.

While attendance numbers at the consultation was high, only written submissions are included in the RMS’s final analysis.

People are encouraged to fill out a feedback form at the last consultation session tomorrow, or email a submission by February 19.

Further information can be viewed on the RMS website.