Dubbo MP Dugald Saunders is concerned constant media reports of opposition to the River Street bridge will cause Dubbo to lose funding for the project.
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"The NSW Government has set aside $140 million for this project, for flood-proofing Dubbo, and we're ready to get on with the job of delivering," he said.
"However, there are many other areas of the state in need of vital infrastructure. If we can't get a common-sense approach to this issue soon, this funding may go elsewhere, and the people of Dubbo will miss out.
"It would be a shame to see Dubbo's economy grind to a halt during the next flood because of misinformed opposition to the River St Bridge."
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Mr Saunders said former state independent candidate Mathew Dickerson and those opposed to the bridge are free to share their views as members of the public.
"However, Mr Dickerson's views clearly express a fundamental misunderstanding of the purpose of River Street Bridge.
"Regrettably, some members of the community have been misled to think that the government is pursuing this option as an alternative to other proposed congestion-busting projects.
"Given that misunderstanding, it's easy to see why they would be concerned. Congestion is a problem in Dubbo, and I'm concerned about it too, but it's a separate issue."
Mr Saunders said he and Roads Minister Paul Toole are not opposed to congestion-busting in and around Dubbo.
"In fact, we're already well underway on planned upgrades to the intersection of the Newell and Mitchell Highways to improve traffic flow," he said.
"The existing roundabout will be replaced by traffic lights, and the entire intersection will be much larger to allow for turning lanes in every direction, and a much better traffic flow.
"But there is more than one solution - which is what I've always said - and we have provided $100,000 to Dubbo Regional Council to also investigate a third bridge to the south of Dubbo.
"The River Street Bridge itself is not aimed at reducing congestion. Its primary purpose is to provide east-west access through Dubbo during a flood event, which is a serious concern for Dubbo's economy. While congestion might slow down Dubbo's economy a bit, that's a much smaller problem than when our community is basically split in half from a major flood, like in 2010."
Mr Saunders said the 2010 flood cost Dubbo CBD an estimated $13m in lost business, simply because people couldn't get in and out.
"That is why it's so important that we push ahead with this project.
"The bridge also provides direct access to the planned Health, Education and Wellbeing Precinct, which has been worked on by the NSW Government with Dubbo Regional Council, Charles Sturt University and the Western NSW Local Health District.
"It's a precinct that has the potential to drive the city well into the future, and with a planned data hub for Dubbo, provides the real possibility of national and international investment opportunities.
"Council has been working on a Masterplan for some time, and that is now on public display."
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Craig Thomson
I am a media and communications professional with experience across print, digital, social and radio broadcasts. I am currently the Editor of Australian Community Media's Launceston Examiner.
I am a media and communications professional with experience across print, digital, social and radio broadcasts. I am currently the Editor of Australian Community Media's Launceston Examiner.
