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Safety and usage were key components prompting Council’s decision to expend an additional $100,000 on Cumborah Road.
The hazardous nature of five narrow grids on this road initiated discussion and recommendations being made at Council’s July meeting.
John Burden, Group Manager Infrastructure Services Management, in a prepared background to this issue stated that “funds to accelerate the completion of construction and sealing of this road had been sought but proven difficult to get. It is therefore imperative that as well as the annual construction and sealing program, Council takes all reasonable steps to ensure safety aspects are addressed as opportunities arise”.
Before the resolution was put Councillors engaged in lively debate. Councillor Greenaway’s concerns were for other rural ratepayers as he believed this to be the landholders’ responsibility.
“A commitment has been made by Council to make these replacements,” said Mr Burden.
“Why should one road be different to others,” Councillor Horan, Carinda, “why have it under review just two months ago and now change it” he said.
“We have had a death on one of these grids, it is a safety issue ,it would be unconscionable not to take action. It is the busiest road in the Shire and we have the ability to do it,” Councillor Treweeke.
“A death on a ramp is no reason to race in and replace the ramp. There have been deaths on roads at Rowena and Cryon,” Councillor Greenaway.
“It would be criminal not to put them in; it is a vital tourist and industry link,” Councillor Hewlett.
In accordance with the five year plan this road has a high priority. Although this work is additional to the work schedule for this year, it is essential to provide for the safety of motorists using Cumborah Road.
The recommendation “that Council approve the allocation of $100,000 from the Beanbri Road project to the Cumborah Road single grid replacement program” was endorsed by Council.
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