Mike Baird | Member for Manly - Minister's Letter Does Little to Counter Scepticism on Seaforth Fence

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Minister's Letter Does Little to Counter Scepticism on Seaforth Fence

Tuesday, 19 January 2010

Minister Campbell�s response to the community�s petition against the Seaforth fence dismisses the other safety options as contrary to RTA policy and is an unconvincing analysis of alternatives, Manly MP Mike Baird said.

�The Minister�s letter looks like someone has just flicked through the RTA policy manual and pulled out excuses,� Mr Baird said.

�The truth is we remain unconvinced that the pedestrian fence is the only safety option that will work.

�Should we win government we will order an immediate review and if it is unnecessary, we will rip the fence out.

�Part of the reason why the RTA is viewed so dimly by the public is that they hide behind a we-know-best attitude.

�Instead of just quoting the policy manual, they should engage the community and be flexible in the way they achieve policy outcomes.

�If all the other safety options must be dismissed because they are contrary to RTA policy, well the question is does the RTA policy need to be rewritten?

�The way the RTA has gone about this process has rightly left many feeling cynical and frustrated.

�The letter trumpets this project as a $130,000 use of federal government funds � it is difficult not to see it as a convenient way to soak up some of the federal stimulus spend.

�There continues to be a great deal of scepticism on the RTA�s analysis on this and the Minister�s letter does nothing to alleviate that.

�Although construction on the fence starts today, should we win government in 14 months we will order an immediate review and if the fence is not essential, we will rip it out.

�In the meantime we are hopeful businesses do not suffer and pedestrians are not injured by being funneled into more dangerous places to cross.�

MEDIA: Lisa Harrington - 0406 726 880

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Comments (10)

Minister Campbell

Has the big fella with the walrus mo ever been to Seaforth? Seems not!

Posted by: Peter Barnet at 20-01-2010 11:20

Seaforth Shop fence

I think the answer is to put in the fence, with a gap / access half way along, where it is safe for people to cross.
That way both sides of the argument will be happy.!

Posted by: murray sharp at 20-01-2010 11:22

Seaforth fence. "Much ado about nothin

I cannot believe that you are wasting so much time criticising what is obviously a sensible project. Surely there are more important issues to analyse.

R.Sansom.

Posted by: R. Sansom at 20-01-2010 11:23

fence

So do we also assume that there will be a fence at Sydney Road Balgowlah or every road?I wonder if destruction of local communities is what the sub-text of this is. The sensible option for the RTA would be to recommend a permanent 40 zone.

Posted by: steve at 20-01-2010 12:33

RTA Fence = Seaforth

Someone is just sitting on the fence too. Think about iy

Posted by: margaret j ward at 20-01-2010 14:58

RTA

The RTA is a national shame. It is not surprising to see yet another instance where the association is not listening to the people. Visit www.truthmovementaustralia.com.au to join a group of people who are demanding fairness. Cheers Phil

Posted by: Phillip Davis at 20-01-2010 16:17

Seaforth Fence.........

Win Government Mike and then at least we will have someone who will listen to our pleas.

Posted by: Debra Arena at 20-01-2010 16:53

The unnecassary Seaforth Fence

At 9.30pm tonight I drove into the Seaforth Shopping Centre after crossing the Spit Bridge and there under the cloak of night was an RTA work group working to dissect the small shopping strip in to seperate areas by building a fence. The speed of execution was obvious -clearly federal stimulas funds must be acquired and spent as quickly as possible regards of the views of residents and their elected member. There must be a way to stop econimic waste and avoid the consequences of reducing the viability of a small shopping area?

Posted by: Wayne Moynham at 20-01-2010 21:13

Seaforth Fence

Once again the RTA rides roughshod over the wishes of residents. The Miltary Road fences have turned Neutral bay/Cremorne/Mosman into a rat run. Now they're into Seaforth, no doubt Balgowlah, Fairlight, Many Vale and Brookvale will be next. Come 2012 they should be up to Palm Beach!
Heavan Help us -- all this and a metro as well.
Salvador Dali where are you?

John Cowper

Posted by: John Cowper at 21-01-2010 19:48

Seaforth Fence

I am impressed on your stand for your constituents on this issue.
One issue in it I plan to write to the Manly Daily( cc RTA) which hasnt been mentioned is the state of the road surface on both sides of the road adjacent of this Seaforth Shopping Centre ----its deplorable,like most RTA roads in the area

Posted by: Gill Whitton at 22-01-2010 17:34