THOSE anxious to see access improved across the Macquarie River at Dixons Long Point want the process sped up, even if it means the standard of the upgrade is lowered.
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Orange mayor Reg Kidd said he would seek a meeting with Western NSW parliamentary secretary Rick Colless and federal member for Calare Andrew Gee about the crossing, which is currently only accessible with a four-wheel drive, following discussions with nearby resident Richard Burns.
Mr Burns has lived on the Mudgee side of the river all his life where he raises sheep.
“The trouble is it’s a gravel crossing – I do use it but you’ve got to be very careful because the’re big boulders and unless you know how to drive over them, you get stuck,” he said.
“A high-level bridge was shot down so they talked about a low-level bridge and all the while the years have ticked by and all that’s really needed is a causeway.”
Cr Kidd said he would be happy if the road remained unsealed with a crossing requiring closure when the river rose too high.
“It’s not for Mini Coopers, it’s not a country highway,” he said.
The federal and state governments allocated $200,000 for studies and planning, which are being finalised by Cabonne Council.
However, Cr Kidd argued the benefits of shortening the journey between Orange and Mudgee by 80 kilometres made feasibility studies unnecessary.
“We need to talk about how we can get it done,” he said.
Mr Gee said in a statement the study was necessary.
I’m hoping we end up with more than just a dry-weather crossing.
- Calare MP Andrew Gee
“It provides costings plus a benefit cost ratio for a range of road and crossing options,” he said.
“Without the study, state and federal support would be very difficult to get.”
Mr Gee said the most expensive options “probably won’t stack up”, but less expensive ones probably would.
“I’m hoping we end up with more than just a dry-weather crossing,” he said.
He welcomed Cr Kidd and Orange City Council’s involvement, especially once the study was finished.
“I hope to bring all the relevant parties together to discuss a contribution from them either financially or to help carry out roadworks,” he said.
“If all levels of government work together, I believe we can make this happen.”