The recommencement of work in Wallendbeen to replace the bridge on Burley Griffin Way is long overdue, and the department responsible for the build must do better when it comes to communicating with the local community about the project, Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said.
Ms Cooke said Transport for New South Wales has finally returned to the site this week to restart work on the bridge, after advising that minor work will be carried out before ‘major work’ begins on Monday 4 March.
“This project is beyond overdue; it is located on a major traffic corridor and is a key route linking our goods and services to markets across the state and beyond, so I am of course relieved to know that work will get underway again, and that we will finally have this vital piece of infrastructure up and running once and for all,” Ms Cooke said.
“Obviously the new bridge won’t be in place overnight, with Transport for New South Wales advising that the project will not be completed until at least the middle of 2025.
“Leaving aside the fact the bridge was supposed to be completed last year, I ask Transport for New South Wales to work with the local community as closely as possible, to ensure they’re kept up-to-date on the revised construction schedule, and the progress of the work.
“Local residents tell me they feel as though they’ve been left in the dark when it comes to the works timetable; this is simply not good enough.
“An email to locals from Transport for New South Wales the day before work gets underway does not meet community expectations when it comes to appropriate consultation.
“There are local small businesses operating in the area – some under difficult circumstances given the disruption that a project of this size causes – so that must be taken into account during the coming weeks and months.
“Disruptions are inevitable, but a lack of communication and consultation is avoidable, and I implore Transport for New South Wales to either come and speak to residents in-person, or pick up the phone, to ensure locals are fully across the details of the project schedule, and can make the necessary arrangements, so that disruptions to their lives and small businesses, are kept to a minimum,” she said.
