Respective terms of council for almost four decades have acknowledged that Bowral's traffic is increasing and have sought to fix the problem.

In fact, a report responding to a letter from the Bowral Chamber of Commerce to council's works and planning committee of November 9, 1988, which inquired into improving traffic flow in the Bowral central business district said, "The philosophy all along has been to divert traffic entering Bowral from the north and south, to Station Street and use this as a traffic relief route for through traffic. This concept is really one of the last resorts as no other viable alternatives are available which are cost effective due to the location of the railway line."

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Extensive studies prepared by expert traffic engineers for the Bowral Parking and Transport Strategy 2012 concluded that the only viable option was to upgrade Station Street. Furthermore, the current design for the northern end of the project is the only route that adjacent stakeholders agree with.

While easing traffic congestion is the primary objective of the project, pedestrian access to the town centre will also be improved with the installation of new crossings, lighting and wider footpaths. More car parking options will be made available, better public transport connection provided and retail shopping will receive a much-needed shot in the arm.

No one likes to see any trees felled and unfortunately eight existing Pin Oaks at the northern entrance of Station Street need to be removed to accommodate the project. Removing any trees regardless of their age and condition is always regrettable. That is why council has taken the extraordinary step of replacing these trees with five seven-metre high advanced specimens and planting a further 100 trees and an extensive array of shrubs along the project route. This will provide a permanent landscaped canopy of foliage for future generations to enjoy.

Last year our councillors requested that the report, which includes the now approved designs, be brought back to council no later than March this year for endorsement. Six councillors subsequently voted in favour of the upgrade at the council meeting of March 25, 2020. To suggest that this project was pushed forward under the cover of COVID-19 is not only untrue but disingenuous.

I encourage all readers to learn more about the Station Street Upgrade Project at yoursaywingecarribee.com.au/SSU and see for themselves council's plans for Station Street not just as a traffic solution, but as a green corridor within the Bowral CBD.

Because heaven help Bowral if we do nothing for another 40 years.

Barry Paull

Acting General Manager

Wingecarribee Shire Council

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