The ongoing closure of the Great Western Highway has sparked a chorus of calls for more substantial financial support from the NSW government. The road's partial closure has now passed 100 days, and the impact on local businesses and communities is becoming increasingly dire. The $3.5 million support package, while a step in the right direction, has been deemed insufficient by many, with some calling for it to be treated as a natural disaster to unlock additional funding.
One of the key issues is the lack of a clear timeline for the bridge's repair. The state government has yet to announce when the Mitchell's Causeway at Mount Victoria will be fixed, leaving businesses and residents in a state of uncertainty. This uncertainty is causing significant economic strain, with businesses in the region facing substantial losses.
The mayors of Bathurst, Oberon, and Blayney have all expressed deep concerns about the impact of the closure on their communities. Bathurst Mayor Robert Taylor highlighted the 15% drop in occupancy levels in his tourism-dependent city, predicting a similar downturn for the Bathurst 1000 supercars event. Oberon Mayor Andrew McKibbin described the situation as dire, with one timber business incurring an additional $200,000 weekly due to the detour.
The mayors also emphasized the need for more targeted financial support. They argue that the current $10,000 grants are inadequate and should be increased. Paul Toole, the Nationals Member for Bathurst, echoed these sentiments, calling for the bridge's failure to be treated as a natural disaster to access federal and state funding.
The impact of the closure extends beyond the immediate region. Blayney Mayor Bruce Reynolds noted a 15% downturn in visitors to his shire's tourism villages, particularly Millthorpe. He urged the government to provide more funding for the council-run initiative Other Ways to the West, which promotes the region's attractions. The mayors' pleas for more substantial financial support underscore the critical need for immediate and effective action to alleviate the economic burden on these communities.
As the 100-day mark is reached, the pressure on the NSW government to provide more substantial support and a clear timeline for the bridge's repair intensifies. The mayors' calls for action highlight the urgent need to address the economic fallout from the highway closure and ensure the long-term viability of the affected communities.
