The Rollands Plains community hope they’ve turned a corner in their bid to get roads in the area improved.
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In the past month, four Port Macquarie-Hastings councillors have visited, to familiarise themselves with the situation.
Councillors Michael Cusato, Geoff Hawkins, Rob Turner and Lee Dixon were shown around by members of the Rollands Plains community group and recreation reserve trust.
Deputy mayor Lisa Intemann and Councillor Sharon Griffiths visited in 2016 and 2017.
Neil Jones from the trust said Cr Dixon was very attentive and keen to get to know what there was in this corner of the Hastings.
“He was impressed with the variety of enterprises and activities. Organic farming, fruit salad trees, blueberries as well as the established dairy, timber and beef industries, not to mention the farm stays and B&B businesses,” said Neil Jones
“It is encouraging to see so many members of Council now aware of the important transport issues of rural life,” he added.
Phillip Morton representing the Rollands Plains Community Group told February’s council meeting that a long-term sustainable positive rural roads policy was needed.
“The question of categorising bridges as opposed to creek crossings – as we have several crossings that are causeways, as well as bridges. It appears that being a causeway means that maintenance and upgrading is not a priority,” he told the council.
“This particularly applies to the four crossings in the Marlo Merrican area on Clarefield - Dungay Creek Road particularly the crossing at 328 to 370. We ask council to review their policy that appears to only include bridges for maintenance and upgrading. This particular area which floods in not so heavy rains, affects many residents and impacts on their livelihood as well as many school days lost.
“This road is essential to the economic activities such as organic fruit and vegetable growing, a painting business, concreters, electricians, truck drivers, market gardening, farm labourers, international backpackers, nurses and a physiotherapist. 50 residents in all.
“This particular crossing needs to be raised one metre by way of concrete box culverts and raised approaches. We implore council to consider the upgrade of Bril Bril Road. This road, as stated by NSW Forestry, ‘as being crucial to their harvesting operation.’”
He said the closure of many Hastings mills has meant the funnelling of log trucks along Bril Bril road through Rollands Plains, but the roads haven’t adapted to the increased volume of heavy vehicles.
“For the safety of all road users and residents, this road needs an urgent upgrade, ie. sealing, for it to continue to service the residents as well as the many heavy vehicles and industries that use it,” he added.
A community meeting at the hall on Saturday March 10 at 5.30pm will discuss activity to get the upgrading of of Bril Bril Road and the crossings on Clarefield Dungay Creek raised by one metre onto the council’s operational plan for 2018.
The meeting also wants to gauge the interest in
- getting a Bicentennial Grant to document the oral history of Rollands Plains as recorded at the History Group gatherings
- gauging the interest in getting a Bicentennial Grant to conduct a fundraising Back to Rollands Plains History luncheon during History Week in September with grant money to assist with food costs, displaying photos, getting school involved and maybe guided tours