You may have noticed in Wednesday's paper (August 5) that council has taken out an advert which shows an artist's impression of the northern entrance of Station Street following completion of the proposed upgrade.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
This image is part of a suite prepared following council's endorsement of the designs in March whereby seven councillors voted in favour of this upgrade.
This project has been on the cards, in some form or another for almost 40 years, with respective councils acknowledging the importance of managing Bowral's long-term traffic demands.
While easing traffic congestion is a primary objective the project, the upgrade is also designed to provide safer pedestrian access, better public transport connections, more carparking options and encourage shopping in and around the town.
No one likes to see any trees felled and unfortunately eight of the pin oaks at the northern entrance will need to be removed to accommodate the project.
Removing the trees is regrettable, however little noise has been made of the fact that five seven-metre high advanced specimens will be planted in their place along with a further 100 trees along the remaining project route.
This will ensure that on completion of the proposed multi-million upgrade, Station Street won't just be functional but attractive too!
Planning and delivering major infrastructure is rarely straight forward and often contentious.
The reality is that Bowral's traffic woes will only worsen as our population increases. Doing nothing today would not only be remiss of us but place an unfair burden on our children to solve.
To see the final designs of the upgrade of Station Street, including more concept images and learn how we're planning for Bowral's future, visit yoursaywingecarribee.com.au/SSU.
***
I would like to take this opportunity to wish outgoing general manager Ann Prendergast the very best for the future.
In my opinion Ann was placed under immense and continual strain, intimidation and harassment from certain councillors whose sole agenda was to remove her from the position of general manager.
It is without doubt some of the worst behaviour I have ever witnessed in my time in local government and sadly overshadows the many accomplishments and reforms she championed during her six-year tenure.
This matter has been reported to the Office of Local Government.
Let it not be forgotten that during her time, council increased its annual spend on infrastructure maintenance and upgrades to more than at any other time in the shire's history.
This achievement alone will benefit the Southern Highlands for years to come.