Disbelief and frustration has been expressed by many in the Mullumbimby community at the failure of Byron Shire Council (BSC) to fulfil their commitment to extend work hours to include Saturdays, to ensure the roadworks on Mullumbimby Road are completed as quickly as possible, before businesses start closing.
After two weeks of no Saturday works, committed to at a meeting between the BSC Mayor Ndiaye, the general manager, project manager, Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce (MCC) and other local business representatives, followed up by a unanimous motion from Byron Shire councillors for extended hours on Monday to Friday and Saturday works, The Echo asked BSC why roadworks were not taking place on Saturdays.
A spokesperson for BSC responded:
‘The recent run of dry weather has allowed the work teams to make significant progress on the upgrade of Mullumbimby Road and Council is currently well ahead of schedule.
‘While this continues the need to extend work hours to Saturdays has not been necessary.
‘Decisions about increasing work hours are reviewed on a weekly basis and staff will mobilise on Saturdays as needed,’ they stated.
Uncle Toms
Many businesses have seen a downturn in trade and Uncle Toms has now closed and Flash Computers is at risk of closing in coming weeks as a direct result of the roadworks.
‘Our business has been brought to the brink of closure by Byron Shire’s badly managed roadworks, our doors would not be shut otherwise,’ Carol Brook, co-owner and manager of Uncle Toms told The Echo.
‘We have had to lay off our staff at an incredibly difficult time for them economically. We can’t sustain a 75 per cent reduction in our business. Numerous calls to the BSC office have fallen on deaf ears. I am shocked by the lack of interest BSC has shown towards the business community of Mullumbimby.
‘We had no consultation with regard to these works, but it would be nice to think that someone in authority could pick up a phone and discuss options to improve this situation.’
Flash Computers
Flash Computers has been in Mullumbimby for ten years and are the only computer repair shop in the area.
‘These roadworks on the road into town is killing my small business,’ said owner Ben Buob.
‘The past few weeks since the roadworks started have decimated my shop, people just are not coming into Mullum now, as it’s easier to go to Tweed for repairs.’
‘Business has almost vanished during what should be a very busy time for me. I am at the stage now where I currently cannot pay my rent, suppliers, loans, etc. as I literally have not enough customers coming in now to cover my costs.’
Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce
The MCC wrote to BSC on 3 November stating, ‘Many businesses estimate a reduction in turnover in the order of approximately 30 per cent’.
While not every business in Mullumbimby has been affected by the road closure many have confirmed with The Echo that they have been feeling the impact.
Criag Watson from Soul Pattison Chemist in Mullumbimby said he has seen sales drop by 20-25 per cent.
‘The Council should have confirmed with the state government and got work done at night. You see other shires work day and night, and that reduces the negative impacts on local businesses.’
The Echo alerted councillors to the lack of work, and the reasons given by staff. Only the Greens responded with a further explanation from BSC as to why the work had not taken place.
Council staff work Saturdays – subcontractors do not
‘Council staff are working Saturdays, however Council’s subcontractors – who are responsible for the key activities like culvert upgrades and watermain diversions – do not currently operate on Saturdays,’ explained Cr Elia Hauge on behalf of the Greens councillors.
‘The intention of the Council resolution, and the fair expectation of the community, was that Saturdays would be used to progress critical work and minimise the disruptive road closure.
‘We have asked staff to engage with the subcontractors regarding their hours of operation to use Saturdays for the critical upgrade activities, not just supporting works like maintaining The Saddle Road.
‘The community expects us to deliver this project as quickly as possible, and we are listening to their concerns.’
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