Dubbo MP Dugald Saunders has rejected claims by NSW Opposition Leader Jodi McKay that he has not adequately addressed community concerns over the River Street bridge project.
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Ms McKay called on the NSW government to quarantine the $140 million put aside for the bridge project because she says there is a significant concern in Dubbo that proper process has not been followed.
Ms McKay said Mr Saunders' job was to stand up for his community and not toe the government line in the face of opposition to the bridge project.
"It strikes me as odd that the Opposition Leader would say I am toeing the line in relation to the River Street Bridge project, and advocating for a transparent review," Mr Saunders said.
"I have been open and honest, before the election and since, that I believe in this project and the benefits it will bring to Dubbo.
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"Not only that, but we have just finished an unprecedented community consultation period in relation to not only the River Street Bridge but the entire "Building A Better Dubbo" program.
"River Street will give us a second high-level bridge to cross the Macquarie River. That is its primary function."
Mr Saunders said he had spoken to people who were against the bridge project.
"I speak to people quite regularly about this project and yes, there are some that are against it. But there are also plenty that are for the bridge but can't or won't speak out because they fear being attacked on social media, or in some cases have their businesses impacted.
"I've had people come into my office talking of having anti-bridge advocates coming onto their property armed with propaganda and trying to bully them into signing the petition.
The Dubbo MP took umbrage to Ms McKay's claims he had no influence with the Roads Minister.
"It was my advocacy to the Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Paul Toole, that got Dubbo Regional Council the $100,000 announced last week to fast-track a study into the south bridge," he said.
"I have been adamant all along that there is not one solution for Dubbo's traffic problems. We have two major highways that run through our city, we have a river that needs to be crossed, and we need more than one high-level bridge to cross that river when it floods."
Mr Saunders said those opposed to the bridge are not acknowledging its many benefits.
"On a day-to-day basis it will take some heavy vehicle and local traffic off Erskine Street, directing those vehicles straight into the heart of North Dubbo without needing to negotiate the dangerous area between the PCYC roundabout and the set of lights near the former Railway Bowling Club," he said.
"It will provide a direct link into the growing hub area of North Dubbo, which is the site for Dubbo Private Hospital, Charles Sturt University, Dubbo College Senior Campus, Sydney University's School of Rural Health and will in time also be the location of the very exciting sports hub project.
"It will provide a direct link for emergency vehicles into that health precinct, which also includes Dubbo Hospital, which will be doubly vital in times of flood when emergency vehicles are stranded alongside every other car, bus, bike and truck trying to get over one bridge."
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