Community feedback has helped change initial plans to transform the Moruya CBD into a pedestrian-friendly precinct, allowing more parking to be retained and facilities for eBikes.
Previous work included raised crossings on Shore and Ford streets, a roundabout at the intersection of Ford Street and Ford Lane and the introduction of a 30 km speed zone.
Eurobodalla Shire Council subsequently sought more community feedback on further upgrades in Moruya, including raised crossings on Church and Queen streets and consistent two-hour on-street parking.
Eurobodalla Traffic Committee chair Amber Schutz said council agreed to accept Transport for NSW funding of $280,000 for the project earlier this year with the proviso of additional engagement with business and the community.
“During February and March we saw widespread media and social media coverage of the proposed upgrade; we wrote to all businesses and landlords, dropped by the 101 CBD businesses for a chat, and held two on-street community drop-in sessions with council’s technical staff,” she said.
“Of the 54 business owners or managers who spoke with us, 91 per cent were in favour of the proposed infrastructure upgrades and 96 per cent in favour of the two-hour on-street parking.
“Of the 31 community members who attended a drop-in session, 89 per cent were in favour of the changes.”
Cr Schutz said this engagement resulted in positive changes to the CBD upgrade.
“Thanks to suggestions from the community, we’ve been able to retain an additional 10 carpark spaces, retain accessible parking directly outside the physiotherapist and ensure bike racks are visible and able to accommodate eBikes,” she said.
The new work is expected to be finished by the end of June.