The East Street/Clarinda Street intersection is back on council’s agenda with Cr Kenny McGrath again pushing for a roundabout to be put in place.
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The issue was last raised at a Council meeting in May, 2010.
According to Cr McGrath the intersection becomes extremely congested during the peak morning and afternoon periods, causing motorists to experience long delays.
The Clarinda Street section of road is under the control and maintenance of Roads and Maritime Services (formerly known as the RTA).
Over the years they have conducted traffic counts at the intersection and provided council with statistical information in regards to accidents.
According to the RMS, construction of a roundabout at an estimated cost of up to $1million is unwarranted.
Cr McGrath informed the most recent Council meeting that he had been contacted by the local school bus operator in regards to the intersection.
“He told me that he is now going to take steps to have the bus route changed because of the delays at the intersection,” Cr McGrath said.
“The kids travelling on the bus are getting to school late and the bus operator has decided to apply to the Minister for permission to change the bus route.
“They shouldn’t have to do this. It’s the worst intersection in Parkes and I believe Council has the expertise to put in place a roundabout where we don’t have to spend big money.”
Council’s General Manager Kent Boyd said that no funds had been identified in the current or future budgets as the roundabout had not been identified in Council’s long-term plan.
Funds are currently allocated to Council’s own assets.
“Construction by Council of the roundabout would be the first occurrence of major infrastructure expenditure on property administered by another road authority,” Mr Boyd said.
“Under the present financial climate, there is little opportunity for Council to fund the suggested construction given other priorities.
“We would need to direct funds from those allocated to local roads.”
Cr McGrath feels so strongly on the issue that he suggested that Council should put some of its `smaller jobs’ on the back-burner to `get this job done.’
Cr Michael Greenwood enquired where the issue `stood’ on the RMS agenda.
Mr Boyd replied that at this stage it didn’t.
“However, the bus issue is a point that we could now make them aware of,’ he said.
Mayor Ken Keith said that while he believed everyone on Council agrees with Cr McGrath’s sentiments the fact remained that it was a RMS Road.
“To put in a roundabout to RMS standards is out of the range of Council funds,” Cr Keith said.
“To find a million dollars in the budget would mean us having to take from other projects.”
However, the Mayor suggested that Council seek a letter from the bus operator on the matter.
“This way Council has another option in pushing its argument for the roundabout.”
Cr Barbara Newton supports the installation of a roundabout but not if it means cost-shifting from Council.
“Council should not be pushed around by the RMS on this issue,” Cr Newton said.
“The bus operator and the parents need to get involved along with the school in putting on some pressure.”
Council resolved to seek community opinion to support its case for a resolution to the East/Clarinda streets intersection because of the impact it is now having on the school bus routes.
