To the Editor,
With increased road traffic flow to and from Evans Head, a growing group of concerned residents is seeking commitment from the Richmond Valley Council to address the troubling increase in traffic noise, dangerous driving, and the depletion of urban amenity in the town that RVC itself promotes as the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of the Richmond Valley.
What are the key concerns?
Of particular concern are the traffic issues experienced by residents on the collector approach roads to Evans Head; namely Flame & Beech streets coming in from Broadwater, and Woodburn Street coming in from Woodburn. These streets are the only access roads in and out of town, and therefore carry 100% of all incoming and outgoing traffic and bear the brunt of the associated impacts.
What has been done to date?
Road and traffic planning strategies are often complex to deliver on, given that they may require multi-agency responsibilities and funding opportunities across federal, state, and municipal jurisdictions, and are potentially influenced by advisory groups and committees.
The underwhelming calming strategies implemented after the 2016 Beech Street traffic demonstrated that the issue was not a significant priority for RVC at that time, and/or their resources were too thin to adequately respond.
Since then, and in the absence of any meaningful traffic calming strategies or infrastructure, the completion of the M1 and intersections and the promotion by RVC of these two roads as part of the 32 km coastal self-drive tour ‘Drive 26’ have compounded the problems significantly. Residents are demanding traffic calming strategies.
What is currently happening?
The Richmond Valley Council, funded by Transport NSW, is currently investigating traffic calming measures in Flame Street and Beech Street (the approach from Broadwater).
Residents are urging Council to be proactive in meaningful public consultation before any proposed plans are finalised, rather than engaging only with those individuals who have formally expressed concern in advance. Regardless, concerned residents are urged to register their interest with the Council.
What can concerned residents do?
• Register their interest with the Council by email to council@richmondvalley.nsw.gov.au or in writing to: General Manager Richmond Valley Council – Locked bag 10, Casino 2470, NSW.
• Call the local police and express your concerns; your communication is logged and becomes data that influences decision-making.
• Traffic cameras are outside of municipal jurisdiction and residents can nominate a location through NSW Roads here.
• Contact the resident’s group at evanstraffic@gmail.com
Questions for candidates in forthcoming election
With elections on Saturday, September 14, the community has an opportunity to pose questions to those seeking election. This group of residents asks candidates the following three questions:
1. On a scale of 1 (low priority) to 10 (urgent) how would you prioritise traffic calming on the grounds of urban amenity and safety in Evans Head?
2. What constitutes appropriate community consultation in matters that affect residents of Evans Head?
3. What will you do to collaborate with multiple agencies in delivering proposed traffic calming strategies for Evans Head?
Ultimately, it is motivated residents and effective council action that brings change.
Chris Townsend on behalf of concerned residents of Evans Head.
Richmond Valley Council response:
Council was provided funding by Transport for NSW to investigate options to calm traffic along Beech Street, Evans Head.
This follows ongoing concerns and complaints from Evans Head residents to Council, TfNSW and the NSW Police.
That investigation work by traffic consultants has provided an options assessment report, which will be an early item our new council will be briefed on prior to community consultation.
Following that, decisions can be made by the council on what works can improve safety and in doing so minimise disruption to the residents of Beech Street.
It should be noted that at this stage there are no funds committed to deliver any outcomes from the options assessment and any approved works will likely be subject to future grant funding applications or council approved budget allocations.
We will communicate the options to the community later this year, so that all interested residents can provide their feedback.
and then