A plan to improve the Blackwood township, that has been in the works for three years, is ready to be delivered by Moorabool council, however some residents say it’s not enough.
The plan includes new footpaths and pedestrian crossings with pram ramps with the priority being an extension along Martin Street and Simmons Reef Road, upgrading retaining walls on Martin Street and the intersection of Byres Road and Golden Point Road, upgrading drainage at the intersection of Golden Point Road and Martin Street, new street parking on both sides of Martin Street, new trees, seats, bin stands and drinking fountain, and a signage audit.
Councillor Ally Munari said the project went through “robust discussion”, receiving a large amount of feedback.
The most common requests were about addressing dangerous roads, using indigenous plants, not planting trees that will obstruct planting, and reconsidering the location of a proposed bus stop.
Blackwood Progress Association president Brendan Hehir said that while any upgrades for the town are welcomed, the plan doesn’t go far enough.
“Blackwood has missed out on infrastructure funding for decades. This improvement project, as good as it is, goes only a very small way to addressing that problem,” he said.
Mr Hehir said the community have been calling for upgrades to the town centre, the park, and wayfinding but the biggest issue has been the roads and paths, he said the paths that are being upgraded in the new plan are “low hanging fruit”.
“Blackwood can be very busy, especially on holidays and weekends. Our roads are very narrow, windy and poorly maintained … shared by not just cars and caravans but many recreational walkers, bicycle riders and children,” he said.
“We have put to the council many times that there are many dangerous sections of roads in the Blackwood area that need to be upgraded and footpaths created and we’re very disappointed that this project doesn’t address these problems.
“Yes we are a small town, however we are regarded by the shire as one of its premier tourist destinations, so we should be taken very seriously when infrastructure is considered.”
The upgrades are due to be completed by the end of the financial year.
Liam McNally
