HAWKESBURY Council has reversed its position on the Windsor Bridge Replacement Project, and now opposes the bridge.
The previous Council was in favour of it, but with seven new councillors in the chambers, there is a change of mood on many items, including the bridge.
Independent councillor John Ross, one of the replacement project’s most vocal opponents, moved a Notice of Motion in Council on October 27 to ask the state government to call a halt to the project.
The NoM will see Council write to the Premier on the matter, and also ask for a renovation of Windsor Bridge and the construction of a an additional crossing of the Hawkesbury River.
A spokesperson for Roads Minister Duncan Gay said major work on the bridge would start next year.
“The Government undertook lengthy community consultation and then a formal approvals process for this proposed bridge replacement. An appeal in the Land and Environment Court was rejected which confirmed both the process and the development approval,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson added that a Windsor Bypass was considered.
They said extensive land acquisition at Pitt Town, high impact on the heritage character of Pitt Town and the huge cost of the project overall as factors counting against the bypass option.
Cr Ross acknowledged the change in position was mostly symbolic, however, said he hoped it might lead to something.
“Whether this produces a finite result is highly doubtful, though it doesn't draw an end to any activities the community will take,” he said.
“The local people intend to maintain their activism, until such times as the community is heard at the highest levels of government and that the heritage and its value to the Australian community is fully appreciated, acknowledged and endorsed.”
Hawkesbury Mayor Mary Lyons-Buckett said the decision sent a strong message to the government.
“We do not want to be saddled with ineffective infrastructure solutions, but rather deserve to be given a river crossing which alleviates current transport congestion and has some capacity into the future,” she said.
“Option one replacement project does not offer this and the constituents can see it.”
Member for Hawkesbury and government Minister Dominic Perrottet said the community was crying out for the bridge replacement.
“Rather than being distracted by state and federal issues they should focused on fixing local roads, processing development applications, keeping downward pressure on council rates and collecting rubbish on time,” he said.
“The NSW government is committed to getting Hawkesbury moving with new infrastructure the community is crying out for.”