Public Meeting well attended
1 Jul 10
SHOALHAVEN City Deputy Mayor Gareth Ward has called on the NSW Government to listen to the voices of around 250 residents who attended a public meeting on the proposed closure of the Hampden Bridge in Kangaroo Valley overnight.
"Last month I joined with the Kangaroo Valley community in calling for public consultation on the proposed closure of the Hampden Bridge for maintenance work. In what was the largest public meeting I've attended in the Valley in my six years on Council, the message from residents could not have been clearer," Cr Ward said.
"Whilst everyone agrees that the Hampden Bridge requires repairs, this operation must be conducted with the least possible impact on the residents and businesses in the Valley; this includes those who access our district via Kangaroo Valley.
"What the NSW Government must understand is that a consultation meeting is not enough; there must be meaningful negotiation with residents to achieve minimal impact on the Valley community.
"I commend Wendy Caird and the Kangaroo Valley Road Action Group on their strong and considered contribution to this important debate. This group of locals has been working so diligently to ensure a better deal from the NSW Government. Chris Warren and the Kangaroo Valley Tourist Association have also made a very valuable contribution in voicing the concerns of local tourist operators.
"It was clear from last night's meeting that local residents want the NSW Government to ensure emergency access to both sides of the Kangaroo River during the course of repair works.
"Many residents also expressed their views about the need for works to be conducted in the evenings and at night to minimise the impact on working families.
"I will continue to work alongside the Kangaroo Valley community to achieve the best possible outcomes as we move towards the repair works. It's now up to the NSW Government to demonstrate that they can listen and respond to the legitimate concerns of Valley residents,' Cr Ward concluded.