They won’t give way to Smithfield bypass
Glazier operators say they have been ignored in land resumption procedures
THE State Government’s plans for improving traffic flow along the Northern Beaches has hit a speed bump with a landholder, whose property will be used for the new Smithfield bypass, reluctant to move.
Northern Glazing Glass and Aluminium owners Mark and Katy Gunn, who also live on their 1.2ha property backing on to the Cattana Wetlands, claim they have been left completely out of the loop about the development of the new $152 million bypass by the government.
The two-lane road would run parallel to the Captain Cook Highway between the Yorkeys Knob turn-off and the McGregor Rd roundabout.
The project, which could take three years to complete, is due to start construction next year.
Barron River MP Craig Crawford told the Cairns Post this week discussions were under way with a small number of landholders about acquiring the property needed for the bypass.
However the Gunns said the first they heard that the project would be progressing was when it appeared on the front page of the Post on Wednesday.
“No one’s spoken to us about anything,” Mrs Gunn said. “It’s a big ask for us to move. Where else are we going to go in Smithfield, on a block this size, with a beautiful home, this close to the shops?”
The Gunns lease a home on their property to a tenant and they employ six people through their business.
“I’m more devastated and stressed about our employees and tenant,” Mrs Gunn said.
“If we don’t find anywhere in the next six to eight months before they start (the project), we’re going to have to close the business.”
The couple contacted the Department of Transport and Main Roads to ask about the bypass project, but were yet to officially meet anyone about their concerns.
They said they were considering their legal options if the government was to resume their property.
“They can’t do a deal until they’ve come to speak to us first, about what they’re going to offer us for our property,” Mr Gunn said.
“A lot of local builders rely on us and come and see us on weekends because they know we live here.”
A TMR spokesman said the department was engaging with all directly impacted property owners to ensure they were aware of the acquisition process as well as their own rights.