Carol Taylor, Wilsons Creek
Byron Council is proposing 15 blocks (minimum 60 extra people) through a private developer in the Alidenes precinct of Wilsons Creek (the developer originally wanted 30 blocks). We understand that development is part of life, there are many considerations to address.
The proposed area is a flood area, bordering Yankee Creek. This creates environmental considerations that won’t be improved by developing around the creek. With our emergency services already under pressure, do we need to develop in a flood area and increase pressure?
Vehicle safety: Alidenes Road has one of the most dangerous blind corners. No engineering adjustments are proposed to improve visibility, only signs on a road without lighting.
Pedestrian safety: Alidenes Road does not have a footpath, none is proposed in the development, it is further complicated by three causeways. Schoolchildren disembark from the school bus on the corner of Alidenes and Wilsons Creek Road, they walk home on the road and causeways. When two cars enter the causeway there is no area for the children to walk. There is also the risk of children falling into the creek as a result of cars. Children walking on the road could increase by 30 during morning and afternoon drop offs.
The proposal is suggesting traffic movement will increase by 100 per cent with 90 per cent coming from Alidenes Road. Does it make sense to develop areas without infrastructure, no public transport, no footpaths, no cycleways, no lights, no adjustment to dangerous road turns?
In the government’s drive to develop the Northern Rivers, little has been considered to support safety, environment and infrastructure. This proposal is creating an extra 1,000 movements of cars on a blind corner just to reach infrastructure of schools, shops, etc. It doesn’t make sense. Haven’t we learned from the past?
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