Dubbo Regional Council is undertaking a survey to gauge the public’s response to the proposed River Street bridge.

When it was announced in June 2017 by Dubbo MP Troy Grant, he said the River Street option was chosen because it met the needs of the community, council, and the transport industry and fitted in with plans for the future traffic flow of the city.

However, Dubbo Regional Council mayor Ben Shields said it was “insane” to spend $144 million on the bridge when it wouldn’t ease traffic congestion on Whylandra Street.

ALSO MAKING NEWS:

Cr Shields pushed for a survey on the bridge to be included in the recent rates notice. However, he has now opened the survey up to members of the public who don’t receive a rates notice.

Residents who don’t receive a rates notice can have their say on the issue by emailing mayor@dubbo.nsw.gov.au or by filling in a survey form, available at the Dubbo Regional Council Customer Service Centre on the corner of Darling and Church streets.

“The survey was included in the rates notices as a cost-effective way to reach a large sample of the population,” Cr Shields said.

“However, in the interest of ensuring there are ways for residents who don’t receive a rates notice I have been asking people to email me with their thoughts, but I have also made a number of survey forms available for collection.

“I would encourage everyone who wants to complete the survey and hasn’t received one in the mail to drop in collect one, fill it in and drop it in the box at reception.”

Council has already received surveys back from those who were sent them in their rates notice with a return prepaid envelope.

“I want everyone to understand the importance of this survey. We are giving residents the chance to have their say,” Cr Shields said.

He said the River Street bridge was unlikely to remove congested traffic from the Newell Highway.

“Council’s position is that a ring road including a high-level bridge could reduce congestion, speed up travel time for people using the Newell Highway and provide another crossing during times of major flooding,” the mayor said.

The results of the surveys will be collated by council and provided to the NSW government.