McLEAY LEADS LHD DELEGATION TO GOVERNMENT

Heathcote MP Paul McLeay announced that the meeting on 8 August between Roads Minister Carl Scully and northern Illawarra residents affected by the Lawrence Hargrave Drive closure had been positive.
Mr McLeay, who led the delegation of representatives from the community working group, said there was no doubt Mr Scully understands the tremendous impact the closure is having on residents and businesspeople.
"The delegation wanted to see the Minister to outline, face to face, the affect the closure is having, particularly on school children, the aged, and businesses" Mr McLeay said.
"All these issues were frankly discussed and the Minister showed a great deal of understanding about the consequences of this situation. The delegation left him in no doubt of the impact the road closure is having."
Mr McLeay said Mr Scully had agreed:
• to ensure the school shuttle bus runs in the morning, not just the afternoon, effective immediately;
• to fund an Illlawarra Regional Information Service (IRIS) study into the social and economic impact of the road closure;
• that newspaper advertisements explaining the road closure, but reinforcing that Stanwell Park was still easily accessible and open for business, be better presented;
• to fund production of a flyer encouraging residents to shop locally to assist local businesses during this difficult time; and
• to consider a regular shuttle business service for the elderly and other residents.
Mr McLeay said he was particularly pleased about the IRIS survey which would assist in continuing to present a strong case to the government.
"There are no easy fixes to this problem but I am heartened that Mr Scully agreed to all their requests for support. The only thing the residents and I will settle for is re-opening of the road but I acknowledge the safety concerns. The Minister assured the delegation that a permanent closure of the road is not an option -that’s why all options are being explored."
Mr McLeay said he wanted the government to release the relevant reports on the road as soon as possible.
"The Minister expects those reports will be ready for release in about three weeks and I am holding him to that" he said. "It is critical that all information be available to the community as soon as possible."
Mr MeLeay welcomed the Minister’s assurance that public information sessions would be held after the reports were released.
Shops 1&2, 17-23 Station Street, Engadine 2233 P0 Box 346, Engadine 2233, email heathcote@parliament.nsw.gov.au. Tel 9548 0144, fax 9548 5639.