Stop the Bridge

The River Street Bridge in Dubbo is the epitome of wasteful government spending. The bureaucratic Roads and Maritime Service (RMS) unilaterally decided Dubbo needed a bridge on River St. despite vocal outcries from the community. The people living in the area deserve the final say when it comes to their town, not Sydney-based state bureaucrats.

 
 

The ATA is advocating for the construction of a Troy Bypass Bridge instead of the River St. Bridge. While it is the responsibility of the government to provide necessary infrastructure, if they attempt to do so without consulting the people, the project will fall flat. The $195 million allocated to build the “Dubbo Dream Economy” will hurt Dubbo more than it helps.

In a democracy, there is no place for an authoritarian government with absolute power to burn taxpayers’ hard-earned money on unwanted projects. The government’s responsibility is to serve its people and work in their interest. Good governance requires a healthy dialogue between the government and Dubbo residents, something missing in this project. Surprisingly, people of Dubbo oppose a plan claiming to be for the benefit of Dubbo. Policymakers should ask why.

Many residents have stated this project is detrimental to their community, including:

  • Pedestrians and cyclists, who worry the two-lane bridge will turn into a death trap as people attempt to cross at the intersection of Thompson and Whylandra.

  • Businesses, who object to having freight traffic directed into peaceful Central Dubbo. Customers don’t shop on significant highways.

  • Indigenous groups, who mourn the impending destruction of 22 historical sites.

  • Commuters, who fear the uprooting of old trees will increase flooding on Newell highway.

  • Environmental groups, who warn the flooding will lead to large amounts of chemical and waste runoff damaging the Macquarie River Ecosystem.

The people, not the government, know their community and its needs. The people are calling for the Troy Bridge, a miles better option considering road safety, flood immunity, less street congestion, and pedestrian pathways.

The ATA will fight for the rights of rural Australia and be their voice on a larger platform. With self-serving projects like these, the government is sure losing our support and support of many others who voted for it.

Make your voice heard! In just a few seconds you can email and tweet Dugald Saunders MP and tell him you don’t support the bridge!

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Tweet

@DugaldSaunders, as a voter in Dubbo, I urge you to stop the River Street Bridge Project.

This $195m project is a waste of our taxpayer dollars. The people of Dubbo didn’t ask for this bridge and don’t support its construction.

www.taxpayers.org.au/countrychapter-home

Mesaage:

Dear Dugald Sanders,

I’m writing to you as a concerned voter regarding the River Street Bridge project over the Macquarie River in Dubbo. This $195 million project is a waste of our taxpayer dollars. The people of Dubbo didn’t ask for this bridge and don’t support its construction.

This bridge will only hurt the community while wasting our money. I am asking you to listen to the people of Dubbo and spend our money in a way that benefits the community instead of hurting it.

This bridge will negatively impact the people living and doing business in the community, including:

Pedestrians and cyclists, who worry the two-lane bridge will turn into a death trap as people attempt to cross at the intersection of Thompson and Whylandra.

Impact on businesses, who object to having freight traffic directed into peaceful Central Dubbo. Customers don’t shop on significant highways.

Indigenous groups, who mourn the impending destruction of 22 historical sites.

Commuters, who fear the uprooting of old trees will increase flooding on Newell highway.

Environmental groups, who warn the flooding will lead to large amounts of chemical and waste runoff damaging the Macquarie River Ecosystem.

I live in Dubbo and want the best for my community. If you also care about the wellbeing of Dubbo, you will scrap the plan for the River Street bridge, opting instead for the alternative Troy Bypass bridge. I only vote for politicians who listen to the people.

Warm regards,

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