Street changes
The $1.5 million controversial redevelopment of Smith St, Warragul has begun, with works to convert the southern section to one way traffic being undertaken tonight.
There has been a mixed response to council plans to convert Smith St, South of Palmerston St to one way. A petition signed by almost 1000 people called on council to change its mind.
Plans for the works have been on the table for a number of years and subject to extensive community consultation. But, since council awarded the contract for the works in December, there has been a significant level of opposition expressed through letters to the editor and on social media.
For the past three weeks, council officers have staffed an information stand in Warragul to outline the plans to community members and address concerns.
During the six sessions, project manager Lee Yuill said there were mixed responses to the works but generally people were supportive of the project.
He said over the six sessions, 41 people were positive about the works, 27 were neutral and 18 people opposed it.
Mr Yuill said a lot of people said “just get on with the works and get the job done” while other people were quite angry in voicing their opposition.
He said many people agreed one way traffic would improve traffic flow around the CBD and many liked the idea of more trees in the main street.
Those against the works indicated to shire staff they were “stuffing up the town” and could not see the benefit. Mr Yuill said most people opposed to the works did not want to accept change.
“People who have lived here for 30 years or more are less accepting because it’s the way it’s always been done.
“Someone who moved here six months ago from the south eastern suburbs saw it as council responding to a need and agrees it will ease traffic congestion,” he said.
The streetscape works have been designed to create a pedestrian friendly shopping environment within the central business district with wider footpaths to continue the mall type atmosphere of Palmerston St.
Key features of the Smith St works include:
One-way traffic conversion (south bound from Palmerston to Queen St);
Road and footpath widening;
Closure of the roadway between Victoria and Smith Sts at the cenotaph;
A new intersection for south bound traffic at the Smith and Victoria Sts point of the cenotaph triangle;
Safer and accessible pedestrian crossing points; Improved drainage; and, New trees, landscaping and garden beds.
New traffic islands will be installed south of the cenotaph to create a new intersection with Victoria St and give priority to south bound Victoria St traffic. Motorists travelling south along Smith St will be required to give way to Victoria St south bound traffic at the new cenotaph intersection.
There will be no loss of parking with the streetscape works, that will feature diagonal parking on the west and east sides of Smith St and three parallel parks adjacent to the cenotaph. He said the 63 car parking spaces currently in that section would be maintained, while disabled parking bays would be increased.
Raised designated pedestrian crossings will be established at existing crossings at the Williams St intersection and cinema arcade.
Mr Yuill said footpaths along the western side of the street would be widened and feature new pavement, which will flow into a courtyard area in front of the cenotaph to create a more open community space with bench seating and bollards preventing through traffic.
Eleven trees will be planted to create a green space and garden feature areas will more the double.
“The aim is to create a mall type feel. The heritage paving will help to create that village feel. We want people to get a coffee and come and sit in the street,” he said.
The works are expected to take 10 weeks. Mr Yuill said the contractors, Mad Cat Constructions would have crews working day and night shifts.
He said works undertaken during the day would ensure minimal disruption to retailers and community members
Major disruptive works will be conducted at night when the road is closed.