ABOUT 40 submissions have already been sent to Inverell Shire Council about its draft plan to upgrade the town centre.
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Ahead of tomorrow evening’s public meeting to discuss the plans, there has been some criticism of the proposal.
Former council director of technical services, Greg Moran, pointed out that $1.7 million has just been spent on the Town Hall in a letter to the editor in Friday’s Times.
“As we live out of town we are asking why more money is not being spent on roads,” he wrote. Cr Mal Peters also lives out of town and said he is concerned for the road users.
“The priority of the council should be to fill the $83 million infrastructure backlog before embarking on the redevelopment of the CBD area,” Cr Peters said. The plan went on exhibition on at the council chambers on March 18, and council’s general manager Paul Henry said most of the submissions have been positive.
“Essentially they have been in favour of the rejuvenation of the CBD,” he said.
“The majority of the aspects of the renewal plan are supported. Certainly we’re looking at as wider cross section of the community as possible to consider the proposal, so that when council does meet to make a determination on the plan it does have some information on the views of the community.”
Garry Newley is in the process of checking the facts and figures on his submission before he hands it in. He said while he is encouraged by some of the things the plan contains, there are other aspects of it he is against.
“Flooding wasn’t addressed and here were some issues raised about traffic further down Byron Street,” Mr Newley said. “There seemed to be no mention of the extension of Captain Cook Drive, which seemed to be a critical part of that broader traffic management process.
“I’m really encouraged by the recognition that the CBD tree cover should be preserved and extended. I think the centre median (strip) will work; I think it is a good idea.”
Mr Newley said his main objection to the plan was that the plane trees in Campbell Street had been rolled into the plan. The plan remains on public display until the close of business on Thursday, April 17. Tomorrow starts at 6pm in the RSM Club auditorium.
