The transformation of Moruya’s CBD into a pedestrian-friendly precinct continues, with work to get underway shortly in Queen and Church Streets after two months of comprehensive discussions with business and the community.
Previous work to create a safe and navigable town centre has included raised crossings on Shore and Ford streets, a roundabout at the intersection of Ford Street and Ford Lane, and 30 kilometre-per-hour speed zone.
Eurobodalla Council has since sought additional community feedback on further upgrades in Moruya, including raised crossings on Church and Queen streets and consistent two-hour on-street parking.
Eurobodalla Traffic Committee chair Amber Schutz said although verbal feedback on the early work was largely positive, Council desired stronger engagement with the community before proceeding to the next phase.
“We agreed to accept Transport for NSW funding of $280,000 back in February with the proviso of additional engagement with business and the community,” Cr Schutz said.
“During February and March we saw widespread media and social media coverage of the proposed upgrade, we wrote to all businesses and landlords, dropped by the 101 CBD businesses for a chat, as well as holding two on-street community drop-in sessions with Council’s technical staff.”
“Of the 54 business owners or managers who spoke with us, 91 per cent were in favour of the proposed infrastructure upgrades and 96 per cent in favour of the two-hour on-street parking. Of the 31 community members who attended a drop-in session, 89 per cent were in favour of the changes.”
Ms Schutz said the engagement resulted in some positive changes to the CBD upgrade.
“Thanks to suggestions from the community, we’ve been able to retain an additional 10 carpark spaces, retain accessible parking directly outside the physiotherapist, and ensure bike racks are visible and able to accommodate eBikes” she said.
Director of infrastructure Warren Sharpe OAM said Council would continue to work with Moruya Business Chamber and the community to identify additional parking opportunities into the future.
“Work will begin after ANZAC Day and should be finished by the end of June, with traffic control in place as necessary.”
