A BRIDGE TOO FAR: WARD CALLS FOR URGENT CONSULTATION ON HAMPDEN BRIDGE LOAD LIMIT CHANGE

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward has said that the Kangaroo Valley community must be consulted about Transport for NSW changes to the load limit on the Hampden Bridge which will reduce the current load limit from 42.5 tonnes to 23 tonnes.

Mr Ward moved a Notice of Motion in State Parliament today calling on the Minister to pause the change planned for 30 May this year.

Mr Ward has been joined by council and community representatives in calling for consultation.

“Given the significant impact on farmers and primary producers, business, and our community I am shocked that Transport for NSW and the government haven’t consulted. The Minister must pause this proposal until she can hear from those who will be impacted.

“The first that most heard about this change was a media release issued by Transport for NSW late yesterday.

“Many farmers have said that this proposal won’t reduce heavy vehicles moving through the Valley; it will simply double it with heavy vehicles having to enter and exit from both ends of the Valley.

“Having lobbied to secure a significant investment in the preservation of the Hampden Bridge many years ago, this decision smacks of government penny-pinching on maintenance rather than any heritage preservation objective.

Shoalhaven City Deputy Mayor Peter Wilkins said he lives only minutes from Moss Vale Road and is concerned about the process to this point.

“Major changes like this need to be worked through in collaboration and my hope is that the Minister will pause this proposal and talk with locals. As a local resident, I am concerned about the impacts this change will have on residents and business.

Local resident Al Lockyer said this was the wrong decision for Kangaroo Valley.

“Many families have been farming in Kangaroo Valley for over 100 years. This change will not only have an impact on freight and haulage, but these costs will be passed to consumers. From milk trucks, feed, and earth moving equipment, this change will have an enormous impact on local primary producers.

Local farmer Graeme Cochrane said this change will have impacts on animal welfare.

“The recent closure of the Nowra saleyards means that all cattle from down the coast will now need to be trucked to Moss Vale. Kangaroo Valley is the best option for cattle given that this route minimises the time cattle are on the road compared with the route which would involve going via Picton.

Mr Ward’s Notice of Motion was:

1. Notes that Transport for NSW have advised that the weight limit on the Hampden Bridge at Kangaroo Valley will be reduced from 42.5 tonnes to 23 tonnes on 30 May.
2. Notes that no consultation occurred prior to this change.
3. Calls on Transport for NSW to pause the proposed change until the Minister can consider feedback from primary producers, small business, council, and residents.

ENDS.