As demolition of the old Windsor Bridge draws closer, the Defenders of Thompson Square head to Parliament House today (Wednesday, September 16) in what could be a last hurrah to save the structure.
A group of up to 20 Defenders, including some Hawkesbury City Councillors, will travel to Sydney and demand to see NSW Minister for Transport Andrew Constance.
The Defenders want to see the demolition of the old bridge stopped and for it to be refurbished as a community walkway/cycle-way.
Defenders of Thompson Square secretary, Cheryl Ballantyne, said that this action would be taken after Hawkesbury MP Robyn Preston refused to set up a meeting with/visit from the Minister, when requested to early this year.
"We have contacted Ms Preston again to inform her that we will be there, and to ask her to have Mr Constance come out and meet with us," said Ms Ballantyne.
If demolition was to be stopped, the question people have raised is "who would pay for the costs of refurbishment and maintenance?".
"I would expect that if demolition was stopped and the bridge was kept, the NSW Government would pay for it," said Ms Ballantyne.
"It's not for me to say who would pay for the ongoing maintenance, but the refurbishment, that would be a similar case to Nowra Bridge.
"There, after a replacement bridge was built, the community campaigned for the Government to refurbish and keep the historical structure, which they did. Windsor shouldn't be any different."
Finn Coleman
I understand the importance of community news in highlighting stories that members of local communities care about - including events, businesses, sports and the people that make towns unique. Email me at finn.coleman@austcommunitymedia.com.au or call 0437 550 909
I understand the importance of community news in highlighting stories that members of local communities care about - including events, businesses, sports and the people that make towns unique. Email me at finn.coleman@austcommunitymedia.com.au or call 0437 550 909
