The RMS had told the Skinner’s and individual shop owners that they would take all shopfront parking away due to a plan to install traffic lights at the Victoria Street and Newell Highway roundabout.

The Skinner’s say the intense media pressure on politicians and the RMS over the initial proposal has had a positive impact on discussions.

ALSO READ Victoria Street shop owners angry with RMS intersection upgrade plan

“We have had site visits from Troy Grant, Nationals candidate Dugald Saunders, Labor candidate Stephen Lawrence with Labor MLC Greg Donnelly and Roads Minister Melinda Pavey,” Terry Skinner said.

“We must praise Alistair Lunn of the RMS because he has stepped up and assured us that they are working on a plan that would see most of our parking saved.

“This is now looking more like a partnership than a David and Goliath battle.”

Kath Skinner said meetings with Dugald Saunders and Stephen Lawrence were constructive.

ALSO READ Victoria Street shop owners ask, "Are we being taken seriously?

“The meeting with Labor’s Greg Donnelly and Steve Lawrence was comprehensive, their attention to details concerning the social and economic impact of the initial proposal was encouraging,” Kath Skinner said. “Dugald also spoke of another possible alternative regarding off-street parking; his proposal would also work.

“Minister Pavey’s visit was short and she gave no undertakings but it was good Dugald brought her attention to our plight.

“We are encouraged by the fact that senior members from the major political parties are paying some attention to our concerns, via representation from the local candidates for the upcoming election and, it would seem these concerns are shaping into an election issue for this State seat.”  

Dugald Saunders proposed the RMS expand the existing car park at the back of the shops.

“Upgrading the carpark out the back of the shops would provide parking for at least 50 cars and would alleviate the stress that the original proposal would cause the shop owners,” he said.

Labor’s Greg Donnelly said he had “very significant concerns” about the unpopular River Street bridge proposal and would host a stakeholder round-table in the new year on the issue.  

“The proposal to take away the shopfront parking will have a devastating effect on what should be a growing neighbourhood precinct,” Mr Donnelly said.

“I must say I find it extraordinary in this day and age that the state government is proposing to put B Triples, through the heart of Dubbo. The lack of strategy and big-picture thinking is quite extraordinary.”

Mr Lawrence said the River Street bridge proposal and the initial RMS plan would do nothing for traffic congestion for Dubbo and would see B triples put through the heart of Dubbo.

“It is time the government stopped wasting money on rebuilding Sydney stadiums and focused on a by-pass for Dubbo,” Mr Lawrence said.