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Campaign back on track: Peter Kerr has renewed calls for a pedestrian footbridge between Beames Avenue, near George Street, and North Parade on the other side of the railway line. Picture: Gary Warrick
Push for pedestrian bridge
13 Feb, 2012 01:00 AM
A PEDESTRIAN footbridge over the railway line halfway between Mount Druitt and Rooty Hill would be $1.2 million well spent, Peter Kerr says.
The Mount Druitt resident first raised the suggestion in 1998 and was inundated with support for improved access between North Parade and the other side of the railway.
He also lobbied for traffic lights at Carlisle and Fuller streets, which were turned on in 2000.
"Everyone wanted the footbridge when I did the petitions," Mr Kerr recalled.
"Five people said no to the lights but all said yes to the footbridge."
Residents who live on the south side walk up to a kilometre to cross the railway line and access the three schools on North Parade, the TAFE and Rooty Hill RSL.
Mr Kerr believes the club, the federal and state governments and Blacktown Council should chip in $300,000 each to foot the bill.
He's determined to not give up, despite state and federal ministers passing the buck.
Federal Infrastructure And Transport Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged Mr Kerr's concerns in a letter sent in November but said it was a matter for the state government. State Roads Minister Duncan Gay said it was up Blacktown Council to lobby for funding in a letter to Mt Druitt MP Richard Amery last August, which was forwarded to Mr Kerr.
"The Roads and Traffic Authority was advised that Blacktown Council has been informed of the funding programs available for its local pedestrian programs such as installing pedestrian bridge," Mr Gay wrote.
A council spokeswoman said it currently had 14 bridge projects listed for funding in its works improvement program, including Mr Kerr's proposal.
Mr Kerr believes $300,000 from the federal government is nothing. "They gave $500 million to Indonesian schools last year," he said.
"If they chipped in, it would mean the state government could give more funding to other transport projects and health."
Mt Druitt Transport Commuters president John Svoboda said the footbridge would be beneficial if the state government implemented a free shuttle bus in Mt Druitt similar to services in Penrith, Blacktown and Parramatta. He added that only state government and council should foot the bill.
Does Mr Kerr have a point? Comment at stmarysstar.com.au or on our Facebook page.
"Everyone wanted the footbridge when I did the petitions," Mr Kerr recalled.
"Five people said no to the lights but all said yes to the footbridge."
Residents who live on the south side walk up to a kilometre to cross the railway line and access the three schools on North Parade, the TAFE and Rooty Hill RSL.
Mr Kerr believes the club, the federal and state governments and Blacktown Council should chip in $300,000 each to foot the bill.
He's determined to not give up, despite state and federal ministers passing the buck.
Federal Infrastructure And Transport Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged Mr Kerr's concerns in a letter sent in November but said it was a matter for the state government. State Roads Minister Duncan Gay said it was up Blacktown Council to lobby for funding in a letter to Mt Druitt MP Richard Amery last August, which was forwarded to Mr Kerr.
"The Roads and Traffic Authority was advised that Blacktown Council has been informed of the funding programs available for its local pedestrian programs such as installing pedestrian bridge," Mr Gay wrote.
A council spokeswoman said it currently had 14 bridge projects listed for funding in its works improvement program, including Mr Kerr's proposal.
Mr Kerr believes $300,000 from the federal government is nothing. "They gave $500 million to Indonesian schools last year," he said.
"If they chipped in, it would mean the state government could give more funding to other transport projects and health."
Mt Druitt Transport Commuters president John Svoboda said the footbridge would be beneficial if the state government implemented a free shuttle bus in Mt Druitt similar to services in Penrith, Blacktown and Parramatta. He added that only state government and council should foot the bill.
Does Mr Kerr have a point? Comment at stmarysstar.com.au or on our Facebook page.
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