Riverstone’s SOS to council

The committee has pleaded with the council to fast-track the Marketown expansion, beautify the main street to make it more inviting and increase parking.

Up to 10 Riverstone businesses have closed this year.

The chamber wrote to the council with its concerns two months ago and is yet to get a reply.

‘‘Too many shops are shutting down or going broke,’’ president Andrew Southwell said. ‘‘More and more businesses are suffering. There’s been no upgrade of Marketown in years but the council blames everyone else but themselves.’’

Treasurer Ann Bodziony said‘‘Riverstone is falling apart’’. 

‘‘Real estates are selling vacant shops to overseas investors, who have no plans to clean them up or get tenants in,’’ she said.

The council allocated money to revive the main street but hasn’t spent a cent, according to Mr Southwell.

He used the revived Queen Street in St Marys as an example of how moribund precincts can be brought back to life.

‘‘When the meatworks were here, Riverstone was thriving,’’ Mr Southwell said.

‘‘Now, there’s not enough industry to bring the shoppers. They’re walking away from Riverstone and going to Schofields instead.’’

Ms Bodziony said the shops there used to be much more comprehensive.

‘‘In the 1990s, this town sold everything from clothes and shoes to disposal gear,’’ he said. ‘‘You didn’t have go out of the town to buy anything.’’

One of the things that has held Riverstone back is the railway level crossing. Riverstone MP Kevin Conolly  said a decision about the proposed overpass was imminent and hinted to the chamber that the community would be happy.

‘‘The minister will make an announcement before the end of the year,’’ he said.

In the meantime, the chamber encouraged residents to shop locally and visitors to come to the area.

‘‘This is a community where businesses are trying their best,’’ Mr Southwell said.

‘‘There are still some great shops here. Where else would you find a printer and embroiderer?’’