Barrington Forest Road closure due to storm damage. Urgent repair and re-opening needed.
Petitioner:
Mrs Cath Payne
| Member:
Layzell, Dave
| No. of Signatories:
223
| Date closed:
07/09/2021
To the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly, the petition of certain residents of New South Wales brings to the attention of the house, the closure of the Barrington Tops Forest Road between Moonan Flat and Gloucester, by Forestry Corporation on the 23 March 2021 after heavy rain in the area caused "significant storm damage".
The closure has greatly affected nearby residents and businesses of the Upper Hunter and Gloucester Shires, plus anyone wanting to travel between Scone and Gloucester for any reason. It is the only critical access road across the range in the area. Alternative routes are either hazardous or add many hours to the journey.
The road is also an integral part of the RFS fire management plan for the area and if still closed next fire season, the fire trail access plan could be seriously impeded at a time of crisis.
The Barrington Tops tourist area receives a significant number of visitors each year including families. Usage is extremely high during the school holidays, on long weekends and during the winter to see the snow.
The inconvenience caused by this road closure is substantial and it is having a severe financial impact on many people’s lives in both shires. People are frustrated and angry, especially as there is no time frame indicated for when it may re-open.
The undersigned petitioners therefore ask the Legislative Assembly to provide immediate financial and/or other assistance as required, to Forest Corporation to enable them to urgently fix the road.
