Harwood worksite plan sparks outrage | Northern Rivers News | Local News in Northern Rivers

14th July 2009

THEY may be few in numbers but the residents of Harwood are going to do all they can to stop the Road and Traffic Authority (RTA) from setting up shop in their front yard.

Ten Harwood residents attended an on-site meeting yesterday with the RTA to express their concerns over plans to erect a temporary work compound on the riverfront near the boat ramp at Harwood.

The fenced-off worksite would include several demountable offices with a carpark and work area for RTA staff to use for approximately 12 months during the major upgrade of the Harwood Bridge.

However, residents like Sylvia Billin, who lives across the road from the proposed work compound, don't think it belongs in the middle of a residential area.

"They should be able to offer an alternative site for this," Ms Billin said.

"There's plenty of room over the other side of the river.

"They just don't seem to show any concern for our quality of life."

Other concerns raised at the meeting included the increase of traffic and heavy trucks through the village; stability of the river bank; lack of consultation; loss of car parks and green space; flash floods, and the safety of the children in Harwood.

Alternative sites suggested included the southern side of the Harwood Bridge and the Harwood slipway.

However, RTA project manager James O'Connor said the green space at the boat ramp was the most suitable and cheapest option.

"We only have a small budget of taxpayers' money and we don't want to spend millions setting up a compound site somewhere else," he said.

Yesterday afternoon, RTA staff pegged out the proposed site to show residents the exact area it was considering.

Residents and RTA representatives will meet again next week.


Why there?

The RTA said:

• It's the safest location for workers and members of the public.
• Direct access to the boat ramp.
• A compound on Yamba Road would disrupt too much traffic.
• An osprey tower is located near Yamba Road option.
• An alternative site at River Street, Harwood, has high levels of acid sulphate and mangroves.

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