Once again as was the situation with the Jannali residents and homeowners who eventually achieved a positive outcome regarding the construction of a commuter car park, the state government has flexed their muscles and employed their stand over over tactics with the homeowners/residents in Webb St.
Unlike the Jannali residents who were supported by Sutherland Council these people have been left to fight this battle pretty much on their own.
There is a car park adjacent to and behind the plaza car park. This car park which is constantly used by shoppers etc. has been sold off by the council. It seems that the council is in bed with the state government.
Now the Transport Deptertment have decided to construct a commuter car park with boom gates operated by an Opal card without any community consultation and at the expense, stress and upheaval of very worried homeowners. One couple in their 70's who don't have good health came to Australia for a better life after experiencing a coup in their previous home country. After nearly 30 years they face the prospect of being forced out of the home they had planned to spend the rest of their days in.
The plaza fronts Belmore Road which is the main road through Riverwood. Webb Street off Belmore Road is an extremely busy intersection. There is only one lane entrance and one lane exit for the plaza which are in Webb St along with the loading dock. There is kerbside parking on both sides of Webb St. Good luck if you find a car space in Webb St.
Common sense tells me there has been insufficient investigation undertaken by the Transport Department project team as there is another car park in Webb Street which could be utilised. The advantage with this car park is that no homes need to be compulsory acquisitions. Shoppers, plaza employees, business owners etc. cannot be denied parking in either of these car parks. Riverwood needs both car parks as people from surrounding suburbs also utilise the plaza, cafes etc.
A spokeswoman from the Transport Department admitted that this project has been expedited as part of the Infrastructure and Job Acceleration Fund. The relevant homeowners have only been given three months to make a decision and not the usual six months period.
I also point out that I have lived in my current home for 43 years not far from Webb Street, so I am very familiar with this area. Prior to COVID the surrounding streets were constantly congested with commuter parkers. There were times when we couldn't get in or out of the driveway without difficulty. Now all the commuters have vanished, I really wonder why we need a commuter car park of such a great size (140 spaces) with charging stations for electric cars
I suggest Andrew Constance and Mark Coure have a serious and honest rethink about the whole situation. Would they like any of their family to be affected in such a disrespectful manner? Is this Australia or a dictatorship?
Finally I would like the experts to tell me where does everyone park while this proposed construction is in progress? The area is already chaotic and especially in peak hours. I urge everyone to support these people to keep their homes.
W. Jennings, Riverwood
When Liberals say they are good money managers
There is $55B of new spending built into future budgets.
- No fiscal repair strategy.
- $1 Trillion in debt - FIVE times Labor's debt in the GFC.
But they perpetuate the myth they are better money managers and the majority of the country believes them.
G Lewis