TD8: Audience with the Minister, and other updates.

With Christmas looming and still no appointment made between GTCC and the State Transport Minister, TD8's David Marks and Rosi Lembke took action to doggedly email and ring the appropriate advisory staff in Minister Campbell's office until they succeeded in securing a meeting on December 15 in Sydney - no mean feat!

All of you on our email list have received a copy of our letter to the RTA, copied to the Minister. Do PLEASE back up our efforts by sending them your own personal email, even if only brief. A deluge of emails BEFORE December 15 will really strengthen our case.

Bulga Road was formerly Regional Road 109, and therefore received funding from the State Government. Since 1995, the RTA has deemed it is not significant enough to retain that status, and so has devolved responsibility for ongoing costs totally on to Council (apart from a one-off compensation payment back in 1995).

We want to prove to the Minister that the Tourist Drive 8 loop road, connecting the two regions of Manning and Hastings, is of great importance socially, economically, culturally, and ecologically to regional and state well-being. As part of our presentation, we would like to offer Minister Campbell a "gift hamper" to allow him to sample, and be aware of, some of the excellent products and businesses located along Tourist Drive 8.

We are currently approaching twenty-five diverse businesses/producers/organisations and inviting them to submit items for Minister Campbell's hamper. We hope this collective "gift" will impress him suitably and make him take note of the significant contribution this community makes to the State, and indeed the Nation.

Meanwhile, it appears GTCC and the RTA may have heard our pleas to carry out the urgent crossbeam repairs ASAP to allow ambulance, and hopefully smaller buses, across Marlee Bridge. We have been told by Graham Schultz at GTCC there is a possible start date of 14 December (instead of February) for repairs, to be confirmed. If and when the works are underway, please understand there will be some periods of bridge closure when the detour is the only way, and your patience will be required.

Paul Lewers is assisting us all to draft a formal petition to the NSW Parliament, and possibly another for Federal Parliament. When it is ready, we will let you know where you can add your signatures. It is the only way to ensure our own words get heard by every parliamentarian.

TD8 are expecting to meet with the Mayor, General Manager and Operations Manager mid-week, and hope to be informed of all developments including the outcome of their site meeting with an alternative temporary bridge supplier.

Don't forget if you are not on our direct email list but wish to be, just send us an email: td8actiongroup@gmail.com

WINGHAM CHRONICLE: Special attention needed

JAMES LAW
17 Nov, 2009 11:53 AM

Although the community is focused on finding a solution to the problems on Marlee and Duffs bridges, the deteriorating state of these structures has again placed the spotlight on the litany of problems along Bulga and Colling roads.

The Elands community has been putting up with the landslips along the upper end of the mountain road all year.

Heavy rain in April 2008 caused much damage to the road and this was worsened during the wet weather events of February and March of this year.

This resulted in the road becoming narrow in places and Greater Taree City Council (GTCC) erected signs and webbing to denote sections of the road as one-way only.

The road requires extensive and costly repairs, the council says.

Many residents argue the road deserves special, urgent attention because it is part of Tourist Drive 8, a scenic route advertised to visitors on the Pacific Highway.

The Manning Valley was declared a natural disaster area by the New South Wales Government after the February flood which allowed the council to access special funding from the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA).

The council submitted a claim for $3 million for repairs to Bulga Road and Koppin Yarrat Road, Upper Lansdowne.

The acting director of engineering, Graham Schultz, said the council had chased the RTA to follow through on this funding ever since the disaster was declared – but it is still waiting.

New inconveniences will arise when the funding arrives and the extensive repairs begin. Mr Shultz envisages that the road will have to be closed at certain times of the day to allow the work to be carried out.

This will mean Elands people will have to access Wingham and Taree via Killabakh, through Colling and Comboyne roads.

GTCC maintains 6.6 kilometres of Colling Road, which connects Elands to Comboyne, while Port Macquarie-Hastings Council maintains the remaining 8km.

Elands resident Barbara Jackson said she had been lobbying members of parliament and the two councils to upgrade the unsealed road for the past 20 years.

In 2004-05, petitions were submitted to GTCC and the then member for Port Macquarie, Rob Oakeshott, regarding the use of the road by logging trucks. Residents asked for three kilometres to be sealed to protect the people living in homes close to the road from the continual dust stirred up by the traffic.

“People in Sydney and all along the East Coast were affected recently by the dust storm; this is a normal dry day for residents of Colling Road,” Ms Jackson said. “During dry periods, residents in houses on Colling Road experience a dust storm every time a vehicle goes by – three days after rain it starts. During long dry periods, the dust storm is unrelenting.”

The council’s works committee costed this work at about $840,000 in April of 2005 but this work has not been carried out.

“Remember, this is Tourist Drive 8 – many, many tourists visit the ‘jewel in the crown’ Ellenborough Falls accessing Colling Road to do so,” Ms Jackson said.

“I request that GTCC and Hastings Council seek funding from State and federal government for the sealing of Tourist Drive 8, starting with Colling Road, and that in the meantime, GTCC investigate and fund a dust suppressant on 1.8 kilometres of the Colling Road, starting at Bulga Road.”

Mr Schultz said the council is always examining the different dust suppressant products available on the market to assess their effectiveness for our region. However, Ms Jackson wants action sooner rather than later.

“We have to start looking outside the square people! Residents’ health is at stake here.”

The member for Lyne, Rob Oakeshott, has been a supporter of the Tourist Drive 8 cause. He and his representatives have met with the Tourist Drive 8 Action Group and promised to advocate their cause.

“This is something we need to start to place weight on as a community and look at as an enormous opportunity if we invest well in it,” Mr Oakeshott said. “The downscaling of (Marlee and Duffs) bridges would be a backwards step for the campaign to have this tourist drive mean something, and it is once again a reason to look for the three tiers of government to do some heavy lifting on these important roads and bridges in the Upper Manning Valley.”

Greater Taree City Council meets tonight to consider the best way to deal with Marlee and Duffs bridges.

http://www.winghamchronicle.com.au/news/local/news/general/special-attention-needed/1679688.aspx?storypage=1

GTCC Meeting 18th November - Outcome

We are pleased with the outcomes of the GTCC meeting held last night. This meeting included the follow up Works Report which was discussed at the last GTCC meeting held on 4th November 2009.

Under discussion was the option to increase the capacity of Marlee Bridge and to put forward alternative options for temporary crossings at both Marlee and Duffs bridges.

In this regard the Works Report was accepted, with an amendment to look at the heritage value and costings of the current timber bridges. The general consensus being that the maintenance and preservation costs of the bridges was beyond GTCC ability. A thorough discussion ensued in respect to the pros and cons of preserving the bridges in whatever form.

A second temporary bridge option is currently under review however due to the sensitive nature of this particular option details are being kept close to GTCC chest. These details will be advised upon further investigation by GTCC. TD8 will be monitoring this second option closely.

GTCC resolved to pursue the temporary bridge options as a matter of urgency.

A proposal by GTCC to borrow up to $1M to fund the temporary bridges was moved and in this they appear genuine in their endeavours to now move speedily to source the most appropriate temporary solution.

Mayor Hogan and the City Councilors had positive comments on the work the community and TD8 have done in attending meetings as well as working through the various options available.

At the consultation meeting held on Wednesday 11th November with Rob Oakeshott MP, GTCC and TD8 we discussed the reclassification of Bulga Road and Tourist Drive 8 to a regional road. In this reclassification there is the opportunity to attract State funding for repairs and improvements. Whilst this option is worth pursuing we do not expect a quick outcome.

Mayor Hogan and two or three representatives of TD8AG are endeavouring to arrange a meeting with Mr David Campbell, Minister for Roads & Transport to seek funding for two permanent new bridges.

Thanks to all for what has been a great advancement in real solutions in the space of one month.

http://www.gtcc.nsw.gov.au/webcomm/Page/Download.asp?name=minutes-18nov09.pdf&size=0&link=../Files/minutes-18nov09.pdf

TD8: Speed Humps Marlee & Duffs Bridges

It is a shame that given the deterioration of Marlee and Duffs bridges and subsequent tonnage limitations placed on both for the safety of the community and visitors alike, someone has decided to remove the said humps.

The speed humps, although somewhat harsh, have been installed to impede and slow vehiclar traffic to the 10 km limit, which in turn, slows down the deterioration of the bridges. This being truly the desired effect, and it is fair to say that without them this problem will only be exacerbated.

The effect to the community being a reducation to the life of Marlee (& Duffs) bridge as well as the ongoing costs, precious funds, that we as a community would prefer GTCC to be using towards installation of temporary bridges rather than channelling it in another direction, ie replacement of humps.

We would therefore ask the community to rally behind GTCC and its primary intent of ensuring safety to all who utilise these bridges.

TD8 & GTCC: Outcome of informal Council Meeting - 11 November 2009

TD8, GTCC and Rob Oakeshott had a very positive informal meeting last night. Our resolutions from Monday's public meeting were conveyed, and accepted by Council without any resistance. A temporary solution for both Marlee and Duffs Bridges has been taken on board as the only acceptable interim solution for this community.

John Stuckey provided a written response from Gloucester Council's engineer with proposed costings for hire of bridge components and technical assistance, and also factored in the costs of purchasing additional bridge sections. John also indicated that GTCC engineers are investigating other temporary bridge systems which could possibly achieve the required span without a mid-river support (as the Gloucester bridge would require).

Graham Shultz agreed that the urgent replacement of the three crossbeams is still needed as a safety issue. He has now provided us with copies of the Integrity Testing reports for both bridges. It is great to be working with GTCC in such a progressive way.

Our discussions and resolution on heritage matters were noted.

The need to attract funding from higher levels of government was discussed. Rob Oakeshott will undertake to bring up this subject in Parliament over the next fortnight and has requested a written submission from GTCC to assist him. Mayor Paul Hogan will continue in his endeavours to make contact with Mr Campbell and it was agreed that should an appointment be made, at least one community member should accompany the Mayor to the meeting.

Regarding The Bulga Road landslip repairs, GTCC advised that following the storms in 2008 & 2009 geotech investigations and estimates were received to undertake repairs to the landslips. Further geotech reports were requested as the estimates appeared to be too low. The final estimates have been received by GTCC and will shortly be sent to the RTA for approval. No dates are available to enable the tendering process to commence until final approval is received from the RTA. We will continue to liaise with GTCC in respect to this matter.

Clr David West commended our group, and our community, on the way we have handled this crisis and our willingness to work co-operatively with our local council.

We TD8 (David Marks, Rosi Lembke, Col Hurrell, Ken Cameron, Janeece Irving and Sandra Kwa) left the meeting feeling optimistic. At least at this level of government, our voices have been heard. Thanks to all for your inputs, ideas, advices and support.

TD8 UPDATE: Community Meeting Mon 9th Nov, Bobin Hall

Well, what an incredible turn out we had last night. We calculated approximately 180 or so residents, and given the time that was taken out of ones busy day, this is a fantastic result. This is surely a testament of how serious this community takes the issue and that we will not be backing anyway from a resolution anytime soon.

The order of events proceeded as follows:
- Ken Cameron - moderator for the evening
- David Marks - provided a history of TD8 Committee, background information of what has transpired with GTCC to date and changes that are occurring within Council. The issue of the Bulga Road landslip was highlighted and the lack of action by GTCC to date.
- Eric Richardon - a brief history and heritage significance of Marlee and Duffs Bridges (both being over 100 years old) as well as providing a broad overview of how past decisions made at State and Council levels has impacted today on roads and bridges. With GTCC having to manage a catchmentment of approximately 3,500 square miles, lack of funding, inadequate resources and ill preparation culminating in the issues we are now faced with today. Eric also suggested that we look at alternative funding ideas in an effort to assist GTCC in rectification of the bridges, such as voluntary rate pegging.
- Rosi Lembke - briefly spoke of the td8 website, email address and how to get in touch with the group to voice ideas and concerns.
- Sandra Kwa & Ken Cameron - provided great detail on the 6 options that GTCC had put forward in its Works Report dated 7th October 2009. The third option of temporary bridges, which would allow 60 tonne load on both Marlee and Duffs bridges, seen as the most viable of all.

With many questions and ideas expressed from the floor, the various options discussed in detail a vote was taken on each option. Option 3 was voted on unanimously, that is, the temporary 60 tonne load bridges.

Comments were made from the floor in respect to a temporary fix of Marlee bridge in order to allow an ambulance to cross. Safety of the community being a prominent issue.

Also discussed was the state of the Bulga Road and the inaction from GTCC since the Coffey Report was discussed and moved by Councillors on 22nd April 2009 meeting. The point being made that a whole approach to the Tourist Drive 8 needs to be considered by GTCC and not just a temporary, and then long term fix to the bridges.

Finally, we moved onto 'what to do with the current timber bridges'. Again open dialouge within the community proved fruitful. A vote was taken with the result being that the Marlee bridge should be removed, a photographic history collected and an intrepretive structure built close by using timber from the bridge. Similarly this was agreed for Duffs bridge less the interpretive structure.

Questions for GTCC to answer on whether this could occur are past timber treatments as well as funding ongoing maintance.

We would like to make a special thanks to Eric Richardson for providing his time and thoughtful insights on the issue. I believe it greatly benefited to the discussions.

Again thanks to all.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: DIY roadworks, towns fix own potholes as councils cannot afford to fix roads

Hard copy article taken from the Daily Telegraph
By Vikki Campion, Urban Affairs Reporter From: The Daily Telegraph November 09, 2009 12:00AM

Picture: Robert Mckell Source: The Daily Telegraph

DAILY TELEGRAPH: DIY roadworks, towns fix own potholes as councils cannot afford to fix roads

By Vikki Campion, Urban Affairs Reporter From: The Daily Telegraph November 09, 2009 12:00AM

Marlee, west of Taree.......where students see flash floods block this by-pass constantly forcing longer delays to one and all. Picture Robert McKell Source: The Daily Telegraph


COUNTRY people may have to fix their own streets or face being cut off from civilisation because of a $4.5 billion repair backlog allowing rural roads and bridges to crumble.

Residents may be trained to repair the roads because potholes, poor drainage and corrugation costs are too much for councils to cope with.

The Local Government Association is looking at providing insurance and training to volunteers as towns face isolation and dangerous delays for ambulance and fire crews.

In one of the worst examples, Greater Taree City Council banned vehicles heavier than two tonnes, including trucks, school buses and 4WDs from the shaky pylons of the Marlee Bridge, sending them on a 29km detour down a flood-prone narrow track instead.

The rotting bridge means the school bus ride now takes four hours each day and the fire truck's two-minute dash across the creek now takes 40 minutes.

The Manning Valley's river towns were built on dairy but since the ban three weeks ago the last farmer left after deregulation is facing his end.

Col Hurrell's Rocky Falls farm, in the family for three generations, now has to tip milk down the drain when tankers can't use the bypass.

Tourist Drive 8, the road to the bridge, takes buses past rolling hills, wineries, boutique horticulture such as organic eggs, blueberries and macadamia, to the spectacular Ellenborough Falls waterfall.

Rob Marcic of the Marlee General Store has lost his income since tourist buses were forced off the bridge.

His ledger shows on October 27, two weeks after the ban, his daily takings were nil.

"I have never been a rich business. But now there is no point in turning on the fridges, this is not even covering the electricity," he said.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/property/diy-roadworks-towns-fix-own-potholes-as-councils-cannot-afford-to-fix-roads/story-e6frezt0-1225795540189

TD8 UPDATE: Visit by the Daily Telegraph

A big thank you to those who turned out in the rain yesterday to meet with Vicki Campion, of the Daily Telegraph. There were approximately 30-35 local residents on hand, with quite a few staying till later in the day to meet with the photographer.

Vicky had a chance to speak with most people, together with experiencing the difficulties that locals, businesses and tourists face, particularly in this type of weather.

The photographer along with some locals and Tom Lowe, travelled in the school bus along the detour route to the flooded first crossing. We are sure that the photos will highlight the challendges faced by all who utilise the detour route, especially the plight of the children relying on the school bus to take them to and from school.

The Marlee Fire Tanker was also on show, located near the bridge, to capture the irony of crossing the bridge with a 2T limit, in the event emergency services are required.

We anticipate that the article will be published in the Daily Telegraph on Monday 9th November.

TD8 UPDATE: Marlee Bridge Update Meeting Mon 9 Nov

WHERE: BOBIN HALL
DATE & TIME: MONDAY 9TH NOVEMBER 6PM

Since our meeting with Council at Marlee Hall much has been happening and we need a meeting to update people of developments and provide an opportunity for community input into the direction of the bridge replacement etc. There is now a web/blog site setup to keep everyone informed of developments. It is TD8actiongroup.blogspot.com and the email address is td8actiongroup@gmail.com. We know travelling can be a bit daunting on GTCC roads but please, if you can make it, you are encouraged to come along.

For further information go to the blogspot or forward an email to the td8.

Agenda
- Introduction
- History of td8 action group
- Marlee & Duffs Bridge a historical perspective
- Rectification options
- Communicating to the community
- Open discussion

GTCC UPDATE: Meeting 4th Nov - Outcomes

GTCC Meeting 4th November - Outcomes

The GTCC Council meeting held on Wednesday 4th November was well attended by the community with Council acknowledging such a presence. With the preliminary council formalities completed we were pleased to hear Mayor Hogan formally apologise to the community as well as concede that the current limitations, mainly on Marlee Bridge, has created immense difficulties for both residents and businesses alike.

Members of the community were on hand to provide GTCC with various views on the impact that the limitations have had. These were:

Sandra Kwa – on behalf of td8action group, discussed the report council furnished for review prior to the meeting, providing feedback and suggested alternatives for an interim and long term solution
David Rhodes – discussed the impact to essential services use of Marlee Bridge, particularly during severe weather conditions
Jane Watson – a parent, representing parents and children
Col Hurrell – highlighted the impact to local businesses, only after such a short time of the limitations coming into affect
Peter Gollan – requested GTCC take a broader view of the tourist drive 8 route and to include the problems associated with possible landslip on The Bulga Road heading up to Elands
Tim Graham – drew attention to the wider impact that the limitations will have on tourism within GTCC and the possible long term affects on the broader community

It is also worth noting that Council were keen to hear from all the speakers with various questions and discussions had after each one, and that council were lenient on the timing for each speaker, enabling the salient points to be heard and made.

We were happy to see the media represented with NBN, The Wingham Chronicle and 2BOB.

GTCC concluded the matter with a motion to:
1. Review all alternative options available, including those suggested by the community guest speakers
2. Continue seeking funding from the State and Federal Governments
3. Meet with td8 action group next week to consult further on the various options available

Certainly item 3 above is positive step by GTCC to achieving an outcome that actually works for the community and not presenting a ‘fait au compli’. Td8 is therefore keen to consult with and provide the wider community with an update and have organised for a meeting to be held at Bobin Hall on Monday 9th November at 6.00 pm. We encourage all to attend.

A copy of the minutes from the Council meeting on November 4th can be found at
http://www.gtcc.nsw.gov.au/webcomm/Page/Download.asp?name=minutes.pdf&size=0&link=../Files/minutes.pdf

TD8 UPDATE: Add Your Voice

Vicki Campion, from the Daily Telegraph will be at Marlee Bridge tomorrow with a photographer to capture the issue of the bridge tonnage limitation.

Any local resident who can be on hand to join td8 on the bridge at 11.30 am Friday 6th November would be most welcome. Please bring: teddy bear, esky & picnic rug.

We understand that Vicky will be interviewing the speakers from Wednesdays council meeting, local residents and businesses as well as meeting up with Wiselys on the detour route.

See you there.

WINGHAM CHRONICLE: Bridge Alternatives

Bridge alternatives
JAMES LAW
3/11/2009 11:37:00 AM

Greater Taree City Council will tonight consider ways to improve access to the northern side of Marlee Bridge for vehicles that exceed the crossing’s two-tonne load limit.

There has been a public outcry over the imposition of the load limit on the Bulga Road bridge and now the council is investigating alternative options to the detour through Strathcedar, Mooral Creek and Warrawillah, which many residents have branded inappropriate.

Particular concern has been expressed for the high school bus travelling the narrow, winding and flood prone route and for emergency service vehicles which would be delayed by the lengthy detour.

In a late report to the ordinary meeting of council tonight, acting manager of operations John Stuckey outlines five alternative options for heavier vehicles looking to cross Dingo Creek via Bulga Road.

1. Replace the deteriorated cross beams on Marlee Bridge
Three deteriorated cross beams have had the most significant effect on the structural integrity of the bridge. Their replacement would cost an estimated $50,00. It is hoped this would increase the weight limit for larger four-wheel drives. The Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) has advised it would be in a position to start these works shortly after Christmas.

2. Construct a low-level causeway to provide access to overweight vehicles when stream levels are low.

This option would cost about $230,000 for the causeway and a further $200,000 for the approach roads. Possible additional costs include the relocation of utility services, lease payments for private properties and ongoing maintenance following floods. The existing detour already provides this service to the community, the report says, albeit with 13 kilometres longer to travel.

3. Construct a low-level Bailey bridge or Unibridge to provide access to overweight vehicles when stream levels are low to medium.

The estimated cost is $850,000. The additional costs of option two are likely to apply.

4. Lease or provide a pontoon, similar to what the army uses
An estimated cost is not available, though the road approaches would cost about $200,000 and the additional costs of option two would also apply.

5. Utilise an existing creek crossing

This option is yet to be fully investigated.

The report also says the bridges have a “high level of heritage significance” for social and aesthetic reasons.

Ultimately, the report recommends the council reallocate the $248,000 earmarked for the reconstruction of two other bridges – one at Wallamba and one at Wherrol Flat – to pay for preliminary works associated with the reconstruction of Marlee Bridge.

It also recommends the council commit $2 million from its 2010-11 budget to replace the bridge and complete associated roadworks.

The report admits the council failed to properly consult with the community over this issue.

“It is acknowledged that the consultation process could have been better managed and council regrets not involving the community earlier,” the report says.
Citizens concerned about the bridge have asked others affected to attend tonight’s meeting to stress that an urgent solution is needed.

http://www.winghamchronicle.com.au/news/local/news/general/bridge-alternatives/1666694.aspx?storypage=1

WINGHAM CHRONICLE: School bus cut off due to flooding

A Bobin resident took this photo of a Warrawillah Road causeway yesterday about 8am.

School bus cut off due to flooding
27/10/2009 12:22:00 PM

It's only nine days since a heavy vehicle detour was established through Mooral Creek and Warrawillah and already the road has been blocked due to flooding.The detour was imposed for vehicles over two tonnes due to the deteriorating state of Marlee Bridge.

The causeways along Warrawillah Road went under Monday due to consistent rain. They were still passable via four-wheel drive that afternoon, having reached about the 0.2-metre level, but by yesterday morning, access was cut off as the creek had risen to 0.4 metres.

The milk tanker was not able to make its run through to Bobin yesterday and the school bus was unable to complete its route, forcing parents to either drive their kids to school or have them miss classes.

Michelle Wisely, the manager of Wisely's Bus and Coach Service, was disappointed the bus could not run, but not surprised that this happened.

“We’re totally disgusted that we can't do the run but it's been taken totally out of our control,” Ms Wisely said.

http://www.winghamchronicle.com.au/news/local/news/general/school-bus-cut-off-due-to-flooding/1660433.aspx

GTCC UPDATE: Council Meeting Wed 4 Nov

On Wednesday 4th November 2009, Greater Taree City Council (GTCC) will hold an Ordinary Meeting. At this meeting, the Council will discuss, in addition to other matters, the recent change in load limit of the Marlee Bridge and the Council's 2009/10 Management Plan relating to Council's Timber Bridges. A copy of the agenda for this meeting can be found at http://www.gtcc.nsw.gov.au/webcomm/Files/agenda-4nov09.pdf/ (relevant information can be found on pages 11-18). This document outlines Council's reasons for the limit reduction, a range of possible solutions including costs, other bridges in the district that require attention and the relevant costs, a spreadsheet detailing Concil's most critical bridges with estimated replacement costs, and information regarding the cultural relevance of the bridge including a report from Mr Garry Smith, an environmental consultant.

TD8 UPDATE: Community meeting Thurs 15 Oct

On Thursday 15th October 2009, a meeting was held at Marlee Hall between Greater Taree City Council (GTCC) and local residents regarding the impending reduction in load limit on Marlee Bridge from 25 tonne to 2 tonne.

Over 200 concerned residents attended this meeting which included presentations from the Mayor Mr Paul J Hogan, General Manager Mr Gerard Jose, several councillors and management.

This meeting was the first community meeting convened by Council to explain the need for the reduction and outline the possible solutions. A copy of the material presented by Council can be obtained by emailing td8actiongroup@gmail.com

Many residents voiced their frustration and disappointment at the situation for a number of reasons including:

• lives of local residents will be put at risk as emergency vehicles (such as ambulance, police, fire and rescue) will be delayed by the extra travel time,
• local businesses will experience increased financial pressure due to the additional costs that will be charged for deliveries and collections,
• local businesses relying on tourism will struggle or go bust as the detour will discourage visitors to the area,
• local children will have less time for homework and outdoor activities as they will have to spend an extra 40 minutes on the bus each day,
• local residents will experience higher costs for goods and services due to the additional delivery time.

It was agreed following the meeting that

• council receive a further report on alternative intermediate treatment for Marlee and Duffs Bridges, prioritisation of all bridges within GTCC region requiring replacement and to identify funds necessary
• council to seek support from State and Federal Members
• council to work closely with the community via the Tourist Drive 8 Action Group (td8 action group)