The historic Wallaby Scrub Road's future may well be decided at tonight's Singleton Council meeting.
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On the agenda is a recommendation to start the process to close the road to allow for the expansion of Rio Tinto’s Warkworth open cut mine.
The seven kilometre long Wallaby Scrub Road joins the Putty Road to the Golden Highway and is part of the historic Great Northern Road.
What has angered those opposed to the closure and the mine expansion is the fact Council has voted five times in the past not to close the road that provides a link between the villages of Bulga and Jerrys Plains and the Putty Road.
Since the expansion of Warkworth mine was first proposed in 2010 the closure of Wallaby Scrub Road (WSR) to allow the mine to operate has been one of it more contentious issues.
Residents in the district want the road to remain open not only because of its historical importance but they have argued the mine should not be allowed to close such a major link route.
Bulga Milbrodale Progress Association president John Krey said “I am sure Council will be considering the money to be gained from the sale and that is could be used for the ‘greater good’ for ratepayers.”
“However looking at the closure of WSR the ‘greater good’ will benefit from the sale proceeds but the residents of Jerries Plains, Bulga, and Broke will bear the effects of the closure of WSR.
“I believe council should call a plebiscite from the residents of the three affected villages and gain their views before voting on WSR. They have ample time to do it. After all, in two years time the effects of the money from the sale will hardly wet the sides as an impact on residents of Singleton but the effect of the closure of WSR will be felt forever by the residents of the three villages and other who have to add about 8 minutes to their travelling journeys. “
Mr Krey asked why should a mining company at the discretion of the state government be able to shut down a heritage road for the sake of overseas shareholders?
He said local government should have a say but that should be extended to the people affected by this action and not the whole of the shire most of which would not even be aware of WSR.
“But Council must make stand on this. This state government is no longer looking after the people of NSW but Councillors should make a statement that Singleton Council is. There have been three villages lost to open cut mining and we do not want to be the fourth,” he said.
“We want Council to stand by the previous votes and look after the villages of this area by voting not to close the road.”