The residents say the change in road access is ‘hidden’  in the development application for the Parkes Waste Facility currently on display.

“In a nut shell the council is moving the access to the Tip from Brolgan Road, accessing through a commercial/industrial site to the Condobolin Rd accessing through rural residential area,” they claim.

Council however, has emphasised that this proposal is merely a long term option which is unlikely to eventuate.

They point out the land in front of the present tip is not owned by council and this move is merely designed to secure future access if it can not be secured.

Residents raised their concerns with the Champion Post this week, worried that time is running out to make any objection.

“Whilst council has done what is required of them by notifying the bounding land holders (and required notifications in the paper entitled “Parkes Waste Facility Alterations and Additions at 104 Brolgan Road & Condobolin Road”), they have not notified property owners (ratepayers) who will be directly affected by this significant change,” resident Heather Wythes said.

“They have said this is a precautionary measure only, but once it is approved, there is nothing to stop it from actually happening.”

She listed the effect on property value; children catching school buses; increased traffic; and the environment impact.

“We purchased property and built in an area giving full consideration to the road we have purchased on (being a Traveling Stock Route) and the usage of this road. 

“In making this life decision, we also considered the potential capital growth of the land we have built on. 

“This action by council will have a  significant impact on our land value should this go ahead. 

“No contact has been made to discuss compensation in this matter at all,” Mrs Wythes said.

She also pointed out that the proposed new access to the Tip would also be directly across the road from two bus stops and passing two other school bus stops. 

“This has not been addressed and the impact has not been considered in the exising DA,” she added.

“It is my understanding the Condobolin Road is the only western bound road train route out of Parkes which has not been addressed at all in this DA. 

“This means that road trains will have to negotiate not only turning traffic into the new access to the Tip but additionally, do this whilst dealing with an awareness of school buses and school children as well. 

“Will this mean that the speed zone will be reduced from 100kmh to 80, 60 or even 50 to manage this risk… does this then mean that our rates will increase exponentially. 

“Will this affect the zoning for the properties we own?”

Mrs Wythes said the Condobolin Road area was free from fly-away rubbish and generally a clean road. 

“Whilst it is noted that all loads are supposed to be covered and no rubbish is allowed to fly out of people’s trailers etc, anyone who has frequented the Tip and the tip road are fully aware of the fly-away rubbish that often lines the road. 

“This also will impact our area and the home owners.”

Mrs Wythes also pointed out that council had conducted a two week count of road users accessing the Tip.

“This was carried out in March, not spring or summer and not in a period of any public holiday,” she said.

“They have averaged that there is 100 light vehicles accessing the tip per day.

“This is without consideration to the fact that they are closing the tips at Alectown, Gunningbland and other outlying areas which will have an impact on the amount of traffic.”

Mrs Wythes noted there was a land claim on the crown land which holds the existing vehicular access to the waste management facility.

“Has the council attempted to negotiate with parties involved in this to lease this portion back rather than undertaking this massive and substantial change? 

“I along with many neighbours hold significant concerns with this regard and feel the three week period for comment closing (next Monday) September 7 is not sufficient.”