People who would typically be polar opposites politically are on a unity ticket when it comes to concerns over the NSW government's River Street Bridge proposal.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Rusted on National Party supporters Greg Kilby and John Morris, life-long Labor voter Phil Priest and self-described swinging voter Mel Gray all believe the current River Street Bridge proposal is flawed and the logical site for a high-level bridge should be at Troy Bridge Road.
Mr Kilby, a well-respected businessman, said if Dubbo MP Dugald Saunders ignores calls for a re-think on the River Street Bridge proposal he might not get a second term.
"I think Dugald should go for a drive around Dubbo during peak hour and see that we need a road system that will suit Dubbo's traffic for the next 10 to 20 years," he said.
"This can't wait for four years for the public to vote Dugald out; the National Party need to get on board and place a high-level bridge at Troy and fix up the roads in and out of Dubbo."
Mr Morris is a member of Dubbo Regional Council's Local Traffic Committee; he says the Nationals should listen to community unrest regarding the River Street Bridge project.
Mr Priest said public unrest with the River Street Bridge played a part in the huge swing of more than 20 per cent against the National Party at the recent election.
"We support a review of the project as it stands because it won't reduce traffic congestion in Dubbo, it will attract more heavy vehicles into Dubbo, it will put back any chance of a Dubbo bypass until well into the future and it will negatively impact on Wiradjuri Park, " he said.
Ms Gray said it made no sense to her and many others to have a bridge that starts and ends in a flood zone.
"The bridge should be built away from a flood plain area," she said.
Mr Saunders said the Roads and Maritime Service identified River Street as the best option for a bridge across the Macquarie River.
"Six strategic options were put on public display for one month and the community was invited to provide feedback," he said.
"Community feedback, targeted stakeholder meeting, community drop-in sessions, stakeholder workshops and other investigations informed the selection of the preferred option."
Mr Saunders said further changes to local traffic conditions would benefit Dubbo.
"A complete change will be occurring at the intersection of the Mitchell and Newell Highways in West Dubbo, with the current roundabout being replaced by traffic lights. This will relieve local congestions when needed most," he said.
"These lights will be synchronised with traffic lights down Cobra Street, including the new set at Fitzroy Street, traffic flow will change for the better.
"There are plans for more community consultation to be conducted by the RMS in coming months to ensure all issues are taken into account."