Extend underpass comment period, says Chamber

The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has called on Gosford Council to extend the advertising period for the Rawson Rd Level Crossing Replacement Plan, claiming that many in the community were unaware of the extent and implications of the proposal.

"The Chamber is concerned that the new underpass proposal has been advertised over the Christmas holiday period when many local residents are away and taking time off with their families," said Chamber president Mr Matthew Wales.

"Whilst we welcome the news that the NSW State Government is going to construct the new rail underpass at the base of Bulls Hill, we still have serious concerns over the environmental impact that the reconstruction of the Bulls Hill section to Horsfield Bay Rd.

"It is for this reason that we believe Council should extend the advertising period and undertake extensive consultation with residents and the wider community due to the sizeable impact the road works will have on the Bulls Hill escarpment.

"The rail underpass will eliminate the Rawson Rd rail crossing which is a welcome development.

"However, replacing the historic Bulls Hill Rd with three lanes and a major culvert over the Horsfield Bay Rd gully will have a significant environmental and visual impact on the landscape.

"We all acknowledge that it is important to improve road connections in and out of the Peninsula but the Bulls Hill works will require significant excavation of the escarpment, removal of hundreds of trees, demolition of several homes and the disposal of thousands of cubic meters of overburden.

"We understand that the State Government is keen to press on with the first stage being the rail underpass with the Bulls Hill work to follow.

"The project has been allocated $30 million in the first term of the O'Farrell Government.

"The Chamber is concerned that the Bulls Hill section of the works will forever change the historic nature of the escarpment and the village atmosphere that exists leading into The Bays precinct.

"To date we have not seen any visual impact assessment for the proposal and call on Gosford Council to ensure that photomontages are prepared to accurately show how the works will impact from key vantage points.

"Whilst we support that allocation of funds for the first stage of the works for the rail underpass and elimination of the Rawson Rd rail crossing, we question to cost of the Bulls Hill reconstruction works at a time when Peninsula streets are unkerbed, lack adequate storm water drainage and have inadequate pedestrian access.

"We have written to the mayor requesting a one month extension to the advertising period and will be encouraging the community to make submissions to the Council," said Mr Wales.

Media Release, 5 Feb 2013

Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce