More repairs for Bulls Hill

Another 60 metres of Woy Woy Rd at Bulls Hill needs to be repaired, delaying completion by another two months, residents have been told.

Geotechnical experts have found that another 60 metres of Woy Woy Rd needs to be repaired, according to Bays Community Group vice-president Mr Greg McMullen.

Mr McMullen said all residents were "frustrated beyond belief" with the continued delays caused by the current road closure.

"Even though there were only 100 people in attendance this time, it was supremely obvious to us all that the local authorities couldn't really give two hoots for the Bays community," Mr McMullen said.

"Although we appreciated the representatives for coming along and facing the often hostile comments from some residents, their bosses in their fantasy towers were only giving them enough power to pass on information and nothing else.

"Naturally, we all wanted answers and not excuses."

Mr McMullen said that extra testing had concluded that there was another 60 metre section of roadway that was "unstable enough to require retaining and repair".

"This section is closer to the top of Bulls Hill and, as such, is going to be harder to get to," Mr McMullen said.

"In essence, this new development is going to add another nine to 10 weeks to the road closure.

"This then will take the expected opening date to around August 25.

"This equates to four calendar months since the original collapse."

Mr McMullen said council officers had stated that a pathway down Bulls Hill for pedestrians would be "too hard and costly, and a by-pass would be "too expensive" and would need to involve "too many other government agencies".

Mr McMullen said: "This damn road closure has really effected all of our business and family lives so, so much.

"For myself, I now have to work at least an extra 20 hours per week just to keep any appointments and to be sure I am home in time for when my younger sons get home from school," Mr McMullen said.

Mr McMullen thanked the Bays community for helping to support each other since the road collapse

"It has been a fantastic turn out of support from so many of the Bays community in getting out there and trying to help solve the many problems brought about by the road closure," Mr McMullen said.

"From the many conversations and emails I have had, so many neighbours are keeping each other informed of what's happening and many are also helping each other with the necessities of life, whether it is to collect the groceries or medication for our older Bays residents or to help transport their neighbours' kids to the bus stops or schools.

"Horsfield Bay residents have no bus services at all at the moment."

The next community group meeting will be held at 8pm on Monday, July 7.

Press release, 26 Jun 2008 Greg McMullen, The Bays Community Group Inc