The State of Our Roads

Leading Independent candidate contesting the Seat of Wagga Wagga in the upcoming NSW State election Dr Joe McGirr speaking from Batlow today said he was appalled at the lack of attention the Keneally Government had given to the state road system throughout the Tumut and Batlow area.
“Include the road through Batlow with the Gocup Rd and you have a near total transit, infrastructure failure” said Dr McGirr. “Products from industries in the Tumut, Batlow and surrounding areas rely solely on heavy haulage vehicles to forward freight.”
“...........................................and” added Dr McGirr “None of it is light freight”
Dr McGirr noted that timber, woodchip and fruit transportation was conducted under extremely hazardous road conditions with the roadway through Batlow showing serious signs of stress. The roads are far too narrow – have high embankments that during sudden climatic changes force trees, rocks and debris onto the roadways.
In addition the road through Batlow appears to actually melt when the temperature gets above 30 degrees. Residents in Batlow talk about pedestrians losing their shoes in the tarry slush and cars sounding as though they are driving over a slurry.
Dr McGirr said the economic future of Tumut and Batlow and surrounding region was being retarded by the provision of sub standard transport corridors.
“I believe the potential for increased tourism to the area is being hampered by the road system – Many people I spoke to were concerned about their livelihood and highlighted the need for a rethink on road quality and safety in an effort to secure existing industries,” Dr McGirr said.
Dr McGirr said “The Keneally Government had not the slightest interest in anyone who lived past Campbelltown and it was becoming blatantly apparent that an O’Farrell led Government was slipping quite nicely into the Kristine Keneally backwash with its announcement that it would spend $700 Million dollars redeveloping the Sydney Entertainment Centre site. – That’s no comfort for the people of Tumut and Batlow and the region”.
The electors of Tumut and Batlow need major sabre rattling representation, not limp wristed hollow promises that has so far been dished out by both the major parties on this area of the state.