Business calls for rethinking of Lachlan Street plan

AutoGo principal Roger McGrath has called the Lachlan Street beautification plan ‘disappointing’ and believes it will negatively affect main street businesses. Mr McGrath is pictured with his wife and business partner Gwen Wall. Image: The Riverine Grazier / Kimberly Grabham

By Tertia Butcher, July 26, 2023

A former councillor and employee of Hay Shire Council, Roger McGrath has labelled the draft Lachlan Street Upgrade Master Plan as one which will stifle existing businesses and restrict future development in the main street.

Mr McGrath has forwarded a lengthy letter to Council following last month’s public forum where he gained the impression the current Council was not fully aware of how the proposed street beautification project was progressing or in fact if it was ever adopted.

“I think you will find that the rest of the community is in the same position,” Mr McGrath said in his letter to council.

“I was very disappointed with what was proposed in the draft plan which was put out for community consultation, even though work began before the closing of submissions.

“I put in a submission and received an acknowledgement and that was it.

“I invited the Council as a group or individually to come to my shop and discuss my immediate personal concerns at the time, but this never happened.

“So, as a result of the community meeting, I thought I would forward the new Council a copy of my previous submission.”

In his original letter to Council, Mr McGrath said he had viewed the proposed street plan, and to say the least, was very disappointed in what appears to be the second version.

“Right from the start, my wife and partner in business and I have taken an active part in the consultation process into the new street plan for Hay,” he said.

“We attended the council chambers at the initial consultant meeting to have input into the proposal.

“This was followed up by a telephone conference with the consultants to further gain input into the proposal.

“However, no one ever came to our shop to have a look.

“I personally have been very disappointed with the resultant proposal.

“I am in favour of street improvements, trees and beautification, but this should not be at the expense of the businesses that occupy the main street.

“I would have thought that at least one of the aims should have been to help, or improve, their chances of survival. Not make it harder.”

Mr McGrath said he was demoralised and disappointed that the proposed master plan had progressed to a draft for public submissions.

He said he had always been opposed to the increase in number of trees lining the main street.

“I firmly believe that beautification can be achieved with less, but better trees and placement.

“I was astounded to see that the proposal not only has increased the number of trees in the main street, but included protective barriers which continued right to the kerb and guttering. This would effectively stop traffic from passing between the trees and the existing kerb and gutter as they can now. The barriers would collect rubbish, impede the flow of stormwater and make it even more difficult to use a street sweeper, if at all.

“It is my opinion that tree numbers should be reduced, not increased.”

Mr McGrath said though there was only one relatively small tree in front of his business, AutoGo Hay, it has been badly knocked about by vehicles reversing into it time and time again.

He said any additional trees or structures such as the proposed traffic barriers at each tree would make truck deliveries in front of his shop impossible.

Mr McGrath also criticised the removal of carparks in front of the Commonwealth Bank, which he said was ill considered.

“Not to mention that the car park spaces have been reduced to one, and this is a disabled car park,” he added.

“As it is, Hay and other small communities are having difficulties in maintaining their existing banks.

“Why make it more difficult by deliberately removing access to them?

“These carparks are also used by customers to other shops.

“What street facilities have been planned for the front of the New Crown Hotel?

“I see it is proposed to upgrade the furniture in front of the Riverina Hotel. Why not also in front of the New Crown Hotel?”

Mr McGrath also questioned the generic desktop production of the plan, with Solling Street incorrectly named Moss Street and asked why the New Crown Hotel has moved location to the Riverine Grazier premises.

“I really think councillors should use their practical experience of living in Hay and devise a plan that will maintain and enhance the business opportunities in the CBS through improved street traffic facilities as well as beautifying and upgrading it.

“Look at the reality and not just a pretty picture.”