Petition calls for street upgrade

A petition with 105 signatures has been lodged with Gosford Council by residents of Murray St, Booker Bay, requesting that Council raise the priority for an upgrade for the street.

It follows a similar petition with 33 signatures submitted earlier this year.

Petitioners stated that unsatisfactory drainage was the main trigger which had resulted in an unsafe street for vehicles, pedestrians and the general public.

They called for a reduction in rates due to a charge being made for "non-existent drainage" as part of the rates.

They said they believed that Gosford Council had a duty of care and were concerned that they had contributed as ratepayers but had not seen any improvements in Murray St for over 30 years.

In addition, petitioners estimated some $76,000 had been collected by Council from developers in Murray St.

Petitioners' issues included parking due to the ferry, Ettalong market's overspill and Catholic Housie spaces being lost, passing vehicles, no walking space except on the road, and potholes during wet weather which restricted traffic.

Council staff reported they had investigated the state of Murray St, Booker Bay, and stated that the kerb and was considered to be a low priority for funding.

They said, however, the work would be listed for consideration for funding in future capital works programs.

The response was a result of a petition to Council lodged on January 24, with 33 signatures.

The petition was signed by residents of Murray St concerned with the condition of their street from Eastern St to Ocean View Rd-Booker Bay Rd.

Petitioners claimed that following heavy rain the section of road was unable to drain adequately and became waterlogged and dangerous for vehicles and pedestrians, long after rain had ceased.

Petitioners said they believed that with the high volume of vehicle and pedestrian traffic and significant development along this section, Murray St should have continuous kerb and guttering and bitumen sealing from kerb to kerb.

They requested that this road be included in next year's budget so that it could be upgraded and major improvements could commence as soon as possible.

Gosford Council Agenda P.17, COR 24, 24 Apr 2012